The Les Wexner Chronicles

Our November issue marks the return of Les Wexner to the cover of Columbus Monthly. Or at least his last name. The clever illustration from our design director Craig Rusnak highlights the challenge facing Columbus and its most powerful leader. Since July, Wexner has been a central figure in the Jeffrey Epstein saga—the first significant scandal that Wexner has faced in his long public life. Our cover story explores what the Epstein case means to the city and Wexner, as well as where the story might go next. (Look for it at bookstores and other retail outlets starting Tuesday, Oct. 29. Find a copy near you at columbusmonthly.com/locations-monthly.)

It’s no surprise we’ve chosen to showcase this story on the cover, since nobody in Columbus has had a bigger imprint on the city over the past four decades than Wexner. That status, in turn, is reflected by the frequency the L Brands founder has been the subject of Columbus Monthly cover stories—more than anyone else in the magazine’s 44-year history. This photo gallery showcases 10 covers that have explored the life and times of Columbus’ most powerful leader.