Presented here in this visual anthology are the current boutique periodicals so cutting-edge, they will continue to flourish in print even as their mainstream contemporaries move to digital. Selected from more than 20 countries are preeminent covers and layouts from over 150 independent magazines that advance the medium through their presentation (Gum, Kilimanjaro), content (Re, Richardson), design (Uovo, Werk), and tailoring to a niche market (Fantastic Man, Me). Featuring essays from top industry thinkers such as Steven Heller (New York Times Book Review), Terry Jones (ID), and Robert Sacks (High Times, Time Inc.), this will be the sourcebook for magazine aficionados and professionals. The Last Magazine is published in association with the traveling exhibition, Magazines in Transition, which opens in New York in September, 2006 and travels to museums and galleries in ten cities worldwide including Barcelona, Paris, Luxembourg, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Born in France, but currently residing in New York, David Renard created Stare, a publishing and advertising agency that produced Stare and Critic Eye. He then established MU Inc., the largest nationwide distribution network for high-end boutique fashion, art, photography and design periodicals. Designed by Vince Frost, named by ID as one of the hottest new art directors for Nan Goldin: A Devil's Playground.