Award-winning Portland Monthly Magazine was founded in October, 1985 by Sargent Publishing Inc. In addition to featuring nationally known writers such as Pulitzer Prizewinner Lewis Simpson, Frederick Barthelme, Janwillem van de Wetering, Barbara Lefcowitz, Diane Lefer, John Taylor, Tomislav Longinovic, Brian Daly, Dan Domench, Sebastian Junger, C.D.B. Bryan, Jason Brown, and Mameve Medwed, the magazine drew national attention for breaking the news story that Vincent van Gogh's "Irises" painting was about to be sold. As a result, the magazine was given the nationwide distribution it continues to enjoy. In 1991, the New York Public Library, praising the magazine for "original regional coverage and literary merit," purchased the magazine's entire back list, all the way to April, 1986, for its permanent collection. In 1992, Readers Digest, Inc., contracted with Portland Magazine to sell subscriptions nationwide through its QSP program. Portland Magazine regularly includes top-flight fiction and features on the Maine Coast and down east region as well as interviews with lovers of Maine including Jamie Wyeth, Marguerite Yourcenar, Liv Tyler, Mel Gibson, yacht designer Olin Stephens II, and Stephen King. About the Editor