DoubleTake

DoubleTake, formerly associated with the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, was co-founded by Alex Harris and Robert Coles. It was established in 1995 to publish photography, fiction, poetry, and essays documenting the human experience "as it is and as it might be." In its early years, Alex Harris was responsible for managing everyday operations, while Robert Coles was based in Boston. DoubleTake's high-quality publications, focusing on photography, earned national awards and praise, including a National Magazine Award for general excellence. Despite its successes, however, the magazine was unable to rein in production costs. Alex Harris left the magazine in 1998, remaining with the Center for Documentary Studies as a professor and photographer. Rather than suspend publication, Coles moved the magazine to Somerville, New Jersey, where it continued to struggle financially. Its final issue, Summer 2003, was funded by a series of benefit concerts by Bruce Springsteen. By November 2004, the magazine closed its offices permanently.

From the guide to the DoubleTake, Records, 1908-1999, (bulk 1994-1999), (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)