Literary Digest

The Literary Digest was an American magazine that existed from 1890 to 1938. It was founded by Isaac K. Funk and Adam W. Wagnalls and was known for its successful predictions of presidential election outcomes until its highly publicized incorrect prediction in 1936, which contributed to its collapse.1

The magazine was a precursor to Reader's Digest, which was founded in 1922 by DeWitt Wallace and Lila Acheson. Reader's Digest successfully reprinted condensed articles from other periodicals, achieving a massive circulation. While the Literary Digest was an institution, Reader's Digest had a more universal appeal by focusing on articles that were applicable, of lasting interest, and constructive.12