Notes from Underground: Zines and the Politics of Alternative Culture

Can zines save the world? Maybe, says Stephen Duncombe in the updated fourth edition of his groundbreaking study of the zine publishing underground, but only if we act on what we learn from them. Duncombe’s lovingly critical and thought-provoking book explores the history, theory, and usefulness of zines, from their origin in the early twentieth century sci fi fandom, their spread through 1960s counterculture, and their rise through the 1990s punk and riot grrrl communities. Throughout, zines have critiqued capitalism, broken from mainstream culture, and provided outlets for marginalized people to express themselves and communicate with each other. In an era of book bans and culture wars, we need zines now more than ever. Featuring a foreword by Emma Alice Johnson, midwestern farmer-zinester and author of such gems as Alternatives to Beekeeping and Midnight Queens: 80s Horror Movies Written and Directed by Women, the fourth edition of Notes from Underground includes comics, quotes, and excerpts from around the zine scene, inviting us into a vibrant, contemporary zine culture that pairs powerful art with urgent action.

Stephen Duncombe is Professor of Media and Culture at New York University and author and editor of ten books and numerous articles on the intersection of culture and politics. A life-long activist, Duncombe is the co-founder and Research Director of the Center for Artistic Activism, a research and training organization that helps activists create more like artists and artists strategize more like activists. Emma Alice Johnson grows wildflowers and writes. She lives on a farm dedicated to conservation of native plants and endangered insects. She has released a number of zines, chapbooks, micro press, and art press novellas. Her short fiction has appeared in more than 75 publications, including Dark Matter Presents Human Monsters, The Dark, Dark Discoveries, and other dark places. When she isn’t planting or writing, she can be found running through the woods with her pet pig, singing to her chickens, lifting weights, watching B-movies, or reading while snuggled with her cat. Learn more at http: //www.freaktension.com.