Harper 's , like the Atlantic and the New Yorker be write for those look for more in-depth analysis and coverage on political and cultural affair with a sampling of serious literary prose . personally I prefer the Atlantic , which I read regularly , only pick up Harper 's when I have time and something in it interest I , which be usually two or three time a year . just look at the cover and page inside convey Harper 's as a serious tome , perhaps too serious for the casual reader , especially compare to the more colorful page of the Atlantic and playful New Yorker cartoon . nevertheless , Harper 's be a american icon in it be genre have publish many article from great name since it be inception in 1850 . a number of reviewer complain about it be leave lean and that stance clearly sprout from the now recently depart editor Lewis Lapham , who have be a outspoken critic of the current administration . Mr. Lapham share he view in a two page opinion piece and in the full page listing of various `` fun fact '' know as the Harper 's index . serious reader will be able to get beyond this as simply a `` viewpoint '' and see the entire magazine for the serious writing that it be . I would contend this represent the best in `` critical analysis '' rather than bias . I would also simply suggest you view the other review make by people espouse this periodical as overly bias . for instance , at least one of those claim liberal bias here be also praise a Ann Coulter book . so if you feel underwhelm by the typical content you get even in a 60 minute broadcast or a political round table free-for-all and you be interested enough in this magazine to read it be review , you should probably pick up a copy of it for two or three month and give it a try . I recommend you also check out the New Yorker and the Atlantic to compare .