The Ladies’ Mercury – Magazine for Women

In 1693 the first women‘s magazine was published in London, titled “The Ladies Mercury.”

A few years before, John Dunton created the Athenian Society with the purpose of bringing together experts to share knowledge. Then in 1691, he decided to print his own periodical. He called it the Athenian Mercury. He used the advice column format to write this periodical. With the experts, he figured they could answer the questions submitted by readers.

After a few years of success, Dunton decided to try something new. He created the Ladies’ Mercury. This magazine, marketed to women, would answer questions specific to them. Sadly, this endeavor only lasted four weeks, before stopping. Still, it has the distinction of being if not the first, one of the first magazines specific for women.