Gardner Cowles, Jr.

Gardner Cowles, Jr., also known as Mike, was a prominent American editor and publisher. He was instrumental in the development of mass-market magazines in the mid-20th century.

Cowles followed his brother John to Harvard University, where he edited the Harvard Crimson. After graduating, he returned to Des Moines to work for the Register and Tribune, eventually becoming its executive editor. In 1937, he founded Look magazine, which became a significant competitor to Henry Luce's Life magazine. Despite healthy circulation, Look ceased publication due to rising costs and competition from television. Cowles served as editor-in-chief and chairman of the board of Cowles Communications from 1937 to 1971.12