Will Hearst

In his publisher’s note for Issue 35, Will Hearst reflects on attention, literary culture, and why Alta chooses depth over noise.

From Chicano rock to sunshine pop and Bakersfield twang, Alta’s new issue explores the California-born genres that shaped generations—and the editor’s own musical past.

The famed architect symbolized the ambitions of Alta Journal, appearing on the cover of the magazine’s debut issue—and the cover of the current one.

Art is a calling with the potential to sustain our culture, Will Hearst writes. That’s why we dedicated our new issue to art and architecture.

The late Frank Gehry is renowned for a design language that is instantly recognizable yet deeply thoughtful and rooted in both art and architecture. In his last published interview, the Californian reflected on defying convention and why he was still working at 96.

Alta Journal ’s Will Hearst kicks off our Issue 32 with a collection of quotes from the road.

Alta Journal editor and publisher Will Hearst on the college school lecture that ultimately inspired the mission of this magazine.

Alta Journal’s Will Hearst on challenging our perceptions of place—and past.

Inspired by history’s inventive thinkers, Alta Journal’s Will Hearst finds inspiration for the magazine’s mission.

In his publisher’s note for Issue 26, Will Hearst revisits his mission in founding Alta Journal.

From New Mexico to Utah to Japan, here are some places to visit and consider the legacy of Robert Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project.

Four books that capture the drama and struggles of Robert Oppenheimer and the building of the first atomic bomb.

The arc of Robert Oppenheimer’s life and the race to develop the first nuclear weapon continue to fascinate filmmakers—and audiences.

Will Hearst previews Issue 24’s cover story, reveals the Oppenheimer method used at Alta Journal, and finds a family connection to the atomic bomb.

McDonell’s writings about the West in three distinct books constitute a virtual trilogy.

Together with his novel and earlier memoir, Terry McDonell’s Irma defines a uniquely West Coast perspective, one of perpetual curiosity and self-discovery.

Alta Journal editor and publisher Will Hearst reflects on the romantic desert—and the one that lies in our future.

A new biography of the famous actress reveals her to be far more than the mistress of William Randolph Hearst.

Alta Journal publisher Will Hearst finds high art in fine crafts.

Astra aims to be a courier service for space, offering daily launches and delivering small payloads to orbit.

Alta Journal editor and publisher Will Hearst asks for your help in seeking out the best independent bookstores in the West.

In his quarterly letter to the readers of Alta Journal, editor and publisher Will Hearst shares his excitement for the ways in which creative individuals are transforming how we consume information.

Alta Journal publisher Will Hearst shares his personal memories of Jim Harrison.

For more than 35 years, Joyce Harrington Bahle was Jim Harrison’s typist, trusted friend, and fierce protector. Today, she safeguards his legacy and his estate.

The West is full of secret places with secret histories. Alta Journal editor and publisher Will Hearst and wilderness-loving futurist Paul Saffo share their favorites.

In his quarterly publisher’s note, Will Hearst envisions a summer of exploration to find the places that feel like home.

In his quarterly note to Alta’s readers, publisher Will Hearst charts a course for the next West.

In his quarterly publisher’s note, Will Hearst explains the origin of Alta’s high standards—and our plan to keep your mind moving.

Kevin Kelly had a hand in creating the WELL, Wired, the Long Now clock, and other visionary projects. His new idea: one million people working together in real time. What they might accomplish is anyone’s guess, but it promises to be awesome.

Will Hearst wraps up the mystery and ties together the loose ends—just like every good noir story—in his quarterly publisher’s note.

Alta publisher Will Hearst considers science fiction as an ancient discipline and a genre of storytelling.

Alta publisher Will Hearst proposes a new way of thinking about the content we deliver our readers—right down to the advertisements that appear in our magazine.

A recent London transplant, Tales of the City writer Armistead Maupin tells Will Hearst why he left his beloved San Francisco, what his next big book might be, and how much he likes his new surroundings (spoiler: a lot).

The author of Between Heaven and Hell discusses his stroke, his recovery, and what it means to restart his life.

In what would be his final interview, the famed Marin County–based landscape painter Russell Chatham tells Alta publisher Will Hearst where he finds inspiration, what it’s like to work on commission, and why Gauguin brought him to tears.

In his Fall 2019 Publisher's Note, Will Hearst ruminates on the importance of staying unmoored.

Do you watch Netflix or Hulu on a smart TV? The CEO of Roku reveals how his company helps those services (and soon Disney and Apple, too) stream movies, sports, and TV programs.

Publisher Will Hearst looks westward to answer the oft-asked question, “What is Alta about?”

Lucy Fisher started out as a waitress, but ended up running the studio. Will Hearst sits down for a Q&A with the groundbreaking Hollywood executive.

Publisher Will Hearst reflects on our first year of Alta Journal.

In a conversation with Alta Publisher and Editor Will Hearst – his former Harvard roommate – Talking Heads mainstay Jerry Harrison expounds on music, business and life

Anne Gust Brown talks about governing and life with Jerry

The woman who changed the way we eat looks back at nearly 50 years of running her famed restaurant, Chez Panisse — and looks forward to innovative ways to feed the next generation.

The legendary architect talks about his life and work.