DeWitt Wallace, the founder of Reader's Digest magazine, was born on December 11, 1889, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He grew up in a modest household, where he developed a love for reading and learning. When World War I broke out, Wallace enlisted in the Army and served with distinction. Unfortunately, he was wounded in action during the war and spent four months in the hospital recovering from his injuries. It was during this time that he discovered the power of reading magazines to pass the time.
As he read through popular magazines, Wallace began bookmarking his favorite articles and saving them for future reference. This practice eventually led him to the idea of creating a portable compendium of these articles that could be easily shared with others. In 1922, with the help of his wife Lila Bell Wallace, he founded Reader's Digest magazine. The first issue was a modest success, but it laid the foundation for what would become a publishing juggernaut.
Over the years, Wallace worked tirelessly to grow Reader's Digest into a household name. He identified trends in publishing and constantly innovated to stay ahead of the curve. One of his key strategies was to keep the magazine's content diverse and appealing to a wide audience. From health tips to inspirational stories, Reader's Digest had something for everyone.
Wallace's entrepreneurial spirit also extended beyond the magazine itself. He launched successful book publishing and direct marketing ventures, further solidifying his reputation as a business titan. Despite facing challenges along the way, Wallace's determination and vision propelled him to great success.
Aside from his professional achievements, Wallace was known for his strong political views. He and his wife were avid supporters of Richard Nixon, and this influence could be seen in the articles they selected for inclusion in Reader's Digest. Despite facing criticism for their political stance, the Wallace's remained steadfast in their beliefs.
DeWitt Wallace passed away on March 30, 1981, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of publishing. His vision and dedication to quality journalism have inspired generations of readers and writers alike. Today, Reader's Digest continues to thrive as a trusted source of information and entertainment for millions around the world.