[1] Each issue examines a theme using primary source material from history.

The inaugural issue "States of War" contained dozens of essays, speeches, and excerpts from historical authors ranging from Thucydides, William Shakespeare, and Sun Tzu to Mark Twain, among others.

Recent issue themes included "Foreigners", "Time", and "Youth".

Lapham's Quarterly was placed on an indefinite hiatus on November 3, 2023, citing "a combination of financial challenges".

[1] Since 2010 the magazine has produced a podcast featuring interviews and discussion related to topics from recent issues.