A Pulitzer Prize-winning historian reflects on his friend and mentor, the founder of this magazine, who died on Thanksgiving Day at 96.
Charlie Peters
“Why Would Someone Give Me a Story Like This?”
Charlie Peters, the founder of the Washington Monthly who died on Thanksgiving, wasn’t easy but he cared intensely about the country. The magazine was the tool he had to help.
“The Washington Monthly—contained the smartest, freshest, and often funniest writing about politics and government.”
A journalist, historian, and filmmaker recalls working for the late Charlie Peters, including terse phone calls, “rain dances,” and why meeting this magazine’s founding editor was better than seeing The Beatles.
Remembering Charlie Peters
The founding editor of the Washington Monthly, Charlie Peters, died on November 23 at 96. While we celebrate Charlie’s life, his wife Beth asks that friends and supporters please honor his memory with a donation to the Washington Monthly. Below are some of the many tributes to Charlie that have appeared here and elsewhere. “Why Charlie Peters Matters” […]
“Charlie insisted that every article enfold The Big Three—reporting, thinking, and writing.”
This magazine’s founder, Charles Peters, 1926-2023. His impact on literary writing was as important as his impact on journalism and politics.
Charlie Peters Changed Journalism. How You Can Help Continue His Work.
Many lovely tributes have been written to Charles Peters, the Washington Monthly’s founder, who passed away at 96 on Thanksgiving Day. They captured his brilliant editorial vision, unorthodox ideas about liberalism, unique (ahem) temperament, and eye for talent. Charlie trained a whole generation of young reporters who went on to careers at the commanding heights of […]
Why Charlie Peters Matters
The ideas and example of the Washington Monthly’s founder and editor-in-chief for 30 years can play an ongoing indispensable role in responding to our country’s deepest problems.

