Sage will become the new publisher of the Lawrence & Wishart journals portfolio, a collection of longstanding journals that have helped shape debate in politics, culture, education and social change. Following the planned closure of Lawrence & Wishart’s journals publishing arm, Sage has acquired four titles and entered into a publishing agreement for a fifth.
The journals will begin publishing with Sage from 2027, and are now accepting submissions:
New Formations has been a pioneer of interdisciplinary research since the 1980s, with a core focus on work which explores the uses of cultural theory for the analysis of political and social issues.
Soundings publishes informed writing on contemporary political and cultural debates, broadly based on the traditions of the New Left and Gramscian tradition.
Anarchist Studies is an international inter- and multi-disciplinary journal which, for over 20 years, has published research into the history, culture, theory and practice of anarchism.
Twentieth Century Communism provides an international forum for the latest research and debate on communism and its political, social, and cultural influence.
FORUM : For comprehensive education publishes critical analysis of UK education policy and has provided a platform for debate about comprehensive and state-provided education for more than 60 years. It will publish with Sage under a lease arrangement.
“Lawrence & Wishart is very proud of the small collection of journals we have put together over the years, but we recognise that the time has come for them to move on to a bigger publisher, better able to look after them in the challenging landscape of twenty-first century journals publishing,” said Sally Davidson, L&W Director. “We are very pleased that our journals are now passing into the safe hands of Sage, a publisher which shares our values and concern for ethical scholarship.”
“These journals have made important contributions to scholarship in the social sciences and humanities, publishing research and writing that informs understanding of society and social change,” said Caroline Porter, Vice President of Journals Editorial at Sage. “We look forward to supporting each journal's continued success and connecting their work with readers around the world.”
All five journals’ editorial leadership and aims and scope will remain in place, ensuring continuity for existing communities while creating opportunities for future growth and wider dissemination. More information about the journals and submission guidelines are available on the journals’ webpages.
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About Lawrence & Wishart
Lawrence & Wishart has been publishing critical left texts on politics and culture since 1936. It aims to create a space where people can think together, challenge political ‘common sense’ and explore new possibilities. We’re interested in critiques of capitalism, and alternatives to systems that prioritise profit over people and the planet. Our commissioning seeks to contribute to a critical understanding of the current moment and the forces that have shaped it, through a focus on the intersections of class, race, gender, LGBTQ+ issues, climate justice and colonialism. Through books, journals and events we foster curiosity for, and engagement in, conversations around pluralism and solidarity.
About Sage
Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, 24-year-old Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely.
Our guaranteed independence means we’re free to:
Do more – supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioral science make an impact
Work together – building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning
Think long-term – experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas