Following a request from History students, the Library currently has trial access to two magazine archives from British Online Archives, The Bystander, 1903-1940 and The Sketch, 1893-1958.
You can access both archives via the E-resources trials page.
Trial access ends 19th April 2026.
The Bystander, 1903-1940
Established in 1903 by George Holt Thomas (the son of illustrator and social reformer William Luson Thomas, founder of The Graphic), The Bystander ultimately joined a series of publications belonging to The Illustrated London News (ILN). The Bystander focused on British “high society”, thereby appealing to a conservative, affluent readership. Publishing articles on fashion, theatre, and sports, this publication reflected everyday life amongst Britain’s social elite, its coverage typically defined by a suitably whimsical, satirical tone. For students and researchers in the fields of literary studies, the history of art, and social history, The Bystander has exciting material to work with. And for those wishing to explore the themes of colonialism, ethnicity, and race within modern history it is a rich resource.
The Bystander merged with its sister publication The Tatler, to become The Tatler and Bystander, in 1940. The Library already has access to The Tatler archive during the period it was owned by The Illustrated London News, covering the years 1901-1965. You can access this through DiscoverEd or the Newspapers, Magazines and Other News Sources guide.
The Sketch, 1893-1958
First published in 1893, The Sketch was another light-hearted in tone periodical under the ownership of The Illustrated London News (ILN). As with The Bystander, The Sketch centred primarily on British high society and attracted a wealthy audience. Replete with photographs and illustrations, and featuring contributions on fashion, literature, and gossip, The Sketch provided extensive coverage of aristocratic and celebrity culture for nearly seven decades. The Sketch remained a staunch defender of Britain’s imperial project, and often reflected the racist and xenophobic attitudes widely prevalent in Britain during these years. Therefore, whilst this collection provides useful material for those studying and researching the history of art, literature, and print culture, it also sheds light on the history of imperialism, colonialism, and slavery, and their representation within Britain’s most affluent circles.
You can access The Bystander, 1903-1940 and The Sketch, 1893-1958 via the E-resources trials page.
Trial access ends 19th April 2026.
Feedback welcome.
Both The Bystander and The Sketch, were part of a series of publications under the ownership of The Illustrated London News. The Library also has access to the full archive of The Illustrated London News, from the first issue in 1842 to the last issue in 2003. You can access this via DiscoverEd or the Newspapers, Magazine and Other News Sources guide.
Please note, trial access to a resource is an opportunity for our staff and students to try a resource out and give feedback on its quality and usefulness. However, if we trial a resource this is not an indication that we plan to or will be able to purchase or subscribe to the resource in the near future.
Trial access is only available to current students and members of staff at University of Edinburgh.
Caroline Stirling – Academic Support Librarian for History, Classics and Archaeology
