Average Rating: 
Rating: - My favorite news magazine by far
The Economist rarely disappoints. Unlike the fluff that fills the pages of Time, USNWR, and Newsweek, the Economist covers news that's fit to print, not just what will sell magazines (i.e. no celebrity photos, no "God Bless America" patriotism, no health-news infotainment, and no avalanche of advertising that falls out of the magazine when you pick it up.). Unlike Business Week and other business news sources, the Economist isn't into stock picking, cheesy management books, hot sectors, and celebrity investors. The Economist is about facts, about reporters doing real research, and about consistent excellence.Time, Newsweek, and friends may have their place in the dentist's waiting room, but when I want to know what's going on in the world, or gather facts to make an opinion, the Economist is the first news source at hand. The Economist has
* detailed news on events all over the globe
* heads of state, nobel prize winners, company leaders, and informed citizens' opinions on the letters page
* long surveys of difficult problems (corporate finance problems, Chinese political reform, open source software)
* real criticism on policies and plans
* accessible ways to understand complex concepts (i.e. explaining purchasing-power parity by comparing the prices of Big Macs in various countries)
* remarkably fresh language for such a serious news source I've been reading it for years, starting from high school debate, college libraries, and borrowing copies from friends. After graduating, I bought it from newstands for a year, and a few months back I gave in and got a three year subscription. It's expensive, but I'm sure it's money well spent. Besides saving money by subscribing, print subscriptions often include online access, as well. I haven't used it yet, but I imagine the searchable archives are excellent for research.
Rating: - Don't let the name fool you
Despite the name, The Economist is not a magazine about economics. It offers a full range of coverage about politics, world affairs, business, books, arts, culture... and of course, finance and economics. As an American, I especially appreciate the Economist's outsider perspective on U.S. issues; it puts all the silly things that the American media focus on in a more balanced perspective. Of particular note, the weekly "Lexington" column offers perhaps the most insightful commentary on U.S. politics of any newspaper or magazine, and it does it with prose that is witty and direct.Many people complain about the price, but let me tell you: it is worth every penny. I started a subscription on a lark several years ago and thought I would not renew it when it expired, but I became addicted. It is the only magazine I read. I eagerly await the mailman's arrival every Saturday afternoon, because I know he'll be bringing me the best and most comprehensive news and analysis magazine in this world. One minor criticism: if you live in parts of the country that are away from postal hubs, you may not get your magazine on Saturday like you are supposed to. When I lived in Hawaii, it was always several days late -- and this was maddening. Even in the Washington DC area, I sometimes wouldn't get my copy until Monday. But ever since they started printing the U.S. edition of the magazine in California, it has gotten somewhat better.
Rating: - Ne Plus Ultra
It is difficult to say anything negative about this publication, except perhaps that they endorsed George Bush for President.** From its cosmopolitan breadth in reporting to its insularly British wit, The Economist covers more and digs deeper than any other news magazine in print. And don't be fooled by its title: each issue overflows with news and commentary before commencing with meaty finance and economics sections. If you want to stay up-to-date on world, US, European, and business affairs, this is the magazine to have, and well worth its steep price!Nota bene that subscribing to the print edition also qualifies the reader to access years of past issues online, as well as a complex search engine that digs through the decades of indispensable research material found in past issues. **In pure deadpan comedic style common in Economist commentary and reporting, a note of erratum appeared discreetly at the bottom of an otherwise standard page questioning the wisdom of that endorsement.
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