The London Magazine was founded in 1820 by John Scott (1783-1821) as a rival to the Gentleman's Magazine. It was a non-political magazine that concentrated on the world of literature. Scott championed the work of young writers such as William Wordsworth, Charles Lamb, Leigh Hunt, William Hazlitt and Thomas Carlyle.

In 1821 Scott accused a rival journal, Blackwood's Magazine, of libel. A representative of the journal, J. H. Christie, challenged Scott to a duel. Scott accepted and died as result of the wounds received during the fight. Scot's policy of supporting young writers was continued under his replacement, John Taylor (1781-1864).

In the early part of the 20th century the London Magazine employed some of Britain's top cartoonists including Frank Reynolds, Henry M. Brock, H. M. Bateman and Lewis Baumer.