Ms. was the best-known and most widely circulated magazine devoted to the culture of the "liberated woman" that emerged out of the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Ms. made its debut as a monthly in July 1972 with Gloria Steinem (1934–) as editor. Although denounced by some critics for its outspoken attitude, the magazine's preview issue, inserted in New York magazine and dated December 20, 1971, sold three hundred thousand copies in eight days, attracted twenty-six thousand subscribers, and twenty thousand letters to the editor.

From the start, Ms. tackled such issues as women's economic and psychological oppression, abortion, and lesbianism, positioning itself as a far more radical voice than the established women's magazines, which often focused on homemaking, fashion, cosmetics, cooking, and how to be a dutiful wife. The magazine also helped popularize the use of the title "Ms." (instead of "Mrs." or "Miss") to describe a woman in...