This year, The Atlantic was nominated in three categories for National Magazine Awards for editorial excellence. Read the nominated articles, along with award-winning Atlantic pieces from previous years.

This is the ninth in a series of archival excerpts in honor of the magazine’s 150th anniversary. This installment is introduced by James Bennet, the editor of The Atlantic.

A Londoner who cherishes every vestige of the cockney, WOLF MANKOWITZ graduated from Cambridge University and within six years established himself as one of the leading dealers in Wedgwood. Now in his early thirties, he divides his time between authoritative studies of the Portland vase, humorous articles for Punch, and fiction. His two novels, Make Me an Offer and A kid for Two Farthings, were made into films, and his satirical book, Laugh Till You Cry, was published last spring by Dutton.

A man who played a large role in shaping the magazine you see today.