The Book of Zines: Readings from the Fringe [Paperback]

Chip Rowe (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1997

A scrapbook of artwork, humorous writing, and articles culled from the nation's "zines"--underground magazines produced by individuals and small publishers--includes off-the-wall tips on dating and reviews of grotesque products. Original.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

When asked why 90 percent of science fiction was crap, Theodore Sturgeon replied that 90 percent of everything was crap. With zines that figure probably rises to about 99.9 percent. Luckily, we have editor Chip Rowe to sift through the detritus of the zine world and distill this entertaining volume. Included are selections from such well-known zines as Beer Frame (wherein the author discovers the horrors of canned pork brains in milk gravy), Murder Can Be Fun (about the truly bizarre Boston Molasses Flood), and Rollerderby (on the brutality and sexuality of Little House on the Prairie). With over 80 selections there's something here for every maladjusted ex-teenager, from cutely benign tales of Brady Bunch fandom to recipes for making your own edible underwear.

Product Details

• Paperback: 178 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co (P); 1st Owl ed edition (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805050833
• ISBN-13: 978-0805050837
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #609,811 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction to the world of zines, September 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of Zines: Readings from the Fringe (Paperback)

The Book of zines, edited by Chip Rowe, is an excellent and entertaining way to be introduced to zines. This book contains sample articles from past and current zines such as Mystery Date, Hitch, Bust, Preparation X, to name a few. There is an interview with the Pillsbury Doughboy, an analysis of Fonzie's relationship with Marion, sex eduction on vinyl, to name a few articles included in this compilation.

It also includes information on ordering zines.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reading from the Fringe..., March 14, 2003

By 

Book In Hand "Argent Blood" (Eastern, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Zines: Readings from the Fringe (Paperback)

Rowe has brought together an excellent collection from the fringes. This book is entertaining and a great starting point for people interested in the idiosyncratic world of e-zines.