The magazine was founded in 1997[1] by Sarah Coley, Jane Davis, and Angela Macmillan with a grant from the University of Liverpool's School of English.
[1] The magazine features original poetry and short fiction, essays, interviews and recommendations with an emphasis on the enjoyment of reading good quality writing.
Issues are based loosely around a given theme, with letters, a crossword and the famously tricky 'Buck's Quiz' making up the last section.
Since taking over the editorship from his wife in 2007 Philip Davis has overseen a successful redesign and relaunch and the magazine now includes a small amount of photography.
In 2008 it spun off from the University of Liverpool as an independent charitable organisation with Blake Morrison as its Chair and Jane Davis as director.