The first issue of Partisan Review was launched in February 1934 by the New York branch of the John Reed Clubs, with the aim of engaging in the fight against fascism and imperialist wars while supporting the Soviet Union.

This publication marked the beginning of the evolution of the New York Intellectuals, who significantly influenced American literature and politics from the 1930s onward.

Early contributors to Partisan Review included prominent writers like James T. Farrell and Tillie Lerner, who brought proletarian themes and critiques of bourgeois critics to the forefront.

The writers associated with PR, despite their internal conflicts and sometimes chauvinistic attitudes towards female contributors, played a crucial role in shaping modern literature and art through their poetry and criticism.

The new direction of PR featured works by literary figures such as Delmore Schwartz, Wallace Stevens, and Edmund Wilson, marking a shift away from traditional socialist realism towards a celebration of literary complexity and originality.

After twelve issues, editors Philip Rahv and William Phillips restructured Partisan Review in response to the Moscow show trials, emphasizing a commitment to literary independence and a fresh editorial vision.

The article concludes by addressing the perception of the New York group, which faced accusations of elitism and manipulation of the literary scene, alongside their complex relationship with masculinity and intellectual discourse.

The cultural dynamics at City College of New York played a significant role in shaping these intellectuals, as many gathered in 'alcoves' to engage in debates about politics and literature.

John Reed, a key figure in this narrative, initially supported the Bolshevik leaders during the October Revolution but later turned against them before his death in 1920, leading to the American Communist Party leveraging his fame through the promotion of John Reed Clubs.

As the New York Intellectuals navigated their identities, they sought to break free from their backgrounds, driven by a desire for intellectual rigor and a critique of the prevailing cultural norms.