It was founded and published in Tangier, Morocco, but operations were shifted to New York City in the mid-1980s.^[1] The first number appeared in the summer of 1970, the final issue (#75/76) in 1994. Beginning with the third issue, the magazine bore the imprint of the Ecco Press,^[2] which eventually became established as a book publisher. A small number of limited editions were also issued in conjunction with the magazine under the imprint of Antaeus Editions.

Particularly in its early years, Antaeus was known for its internationalist scope. Among its notable contributors were J. G. Ballard, Paul Bowles, Guy Davenport, Stephen King, Harry Mathews, Joyce Carol Oates, Breece D'J Pancake, Yannis Ritsos, W.H. Auden, Leslie Marmon Silko and Andrew Vachss.

• List of literary magazines

• Antaeus magazine's "Neglected Books of the 20th Century" at The Neglected Books Page