Radical America

Radical America was a left-wing political magazine in the United States established in 1967. The magazine was founded by Paul Buhle and Mari Jo Buhle, activists in Students for a Democratic Society and served during its first few years of existence as an unofficial theoretical journal of that organization. During the 1970s and 1980s, the magazine changed to take on more of an academic Marxist flavor. With contributions from academics dwindling during the decade of the 1990s, the magazine was terminated in 1999.

Early issues of Radical America bore the subtitle "An SDS Journal of the History of American Radicalism."

Publication history

Establishment

Radical America was founded by members of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) in 1967. The initial editors were Paul Buhle and Mari Jo Buhle in their graduate school days, operating in Madison, Wisconsin. In the first few years, it served as the "unofficial journal of SDS."[1] Dan Georgakas wrote that its importance lay in that it "was on the scholarly cutting edge of a social movement that often has been accused of lacking intellectual substance.[2]

Initially, subscriptions were sold at a discount rate to national SDS members. The Buhles relocated to the Boston, Massachusetts area, and brought the journal with them. By the time of the Boston move the journal was independent from the SDS.[3]

Content

The journal, published in Somerville, Massachusetts, focused on topical issues of concern to the left and society at large, such as women's liberation, working class radicalism and busing. Beginning in 1970, each issue had a dedicated focus upon one issue. Mainly, during the 1970s, the journal evolved in a direction concerned with New Left issues, rather than traditional, Old Left concern with strengthening ties with trade unions. It was particularly active in the 1970s, as authors related the experiences of feminist and autonomous work-place activists.[3]

Circulation

According to the publication's published annual "Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation" required by the Post Office Department, the average press run of Radical America for the twelve months ending in October 1982 was 4,100, with an average mail subscription of about 2,330.[4] Bulk sales and sales through vendors accounted for another 1,270 copies, according to the 1982 report by editor John P. Demeter.[4]

Demise

By the 1980s the journal branched to addressing gay issues and rock music. During the late 1980s, article contributions dwindled as academics left the journal.[3]

Footnotes
  1. Derek Seidman, "Radical Continuity: An Interview with Paul Buhle," CounterPunch, March 8, 2004.
  2. Dan Georgakas, Series editor's preface to "From the Knights of Labor to the New World Order." p. ix.
  3. "Radical America, 1967-1999." Brown University Library Center for Digital Archives.
  4. John P. Demeter, "Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation," Radical America, vol. 16, no. 4/5 (July-Oct. 1982), pg. 41.

Further reading
  • Paul Buhle (ed.), History and the New Left: Madison, Wisconsin, 1950-1970. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1990.
  • James Green (ed.), Workers' Struggles, Past and Present: A "Radical America" Reader. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1983.
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