Andy Cornell Zine collection
Collection
Identifier: Am-Mss-Cornell
Scope and Contents
The Andy Cornell Zine collection includes zines (noncommercial, often homemade publications covering specialized and unconventional subjects); catalogs of zines available through independent distributors (“distros”); and other related printed materials. The collection includes items produced mainly between the late 1980s and the early 2000s, with a few items produced as early as 1977 and as late as 2013. The definition of a zine is variable, and most zine-like items in Andy Cornell's collection have been included in Series I: Zines.
The zines were collected by Andy Cornell as a result of his personal involvement in the zine scene as a writer, distro manager, and educator. Most of the zines were produced in the continental United States, especially the Midwest where the Cornell was living during the period when he assembled this collection. The collection also includes works from countries outside of the United States, including the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and Canada.
These zines cover topics that range from personal experiences and underground music scene culture to anarchist, feminist, and anti-facist literature. There is a particular emphasis on anarchist content due to Andy Cornell’s involvement in that movement.
The zines were collected by Andy Cornell as a result of his personal involvement in the zine scene as a writer, distro manager, and educator. Most of the zines were produced in the continental United States, especially the Midwest where the Cornell was living during the period when he assembled this collection. The collection also includes works from countries outside of the United States, including the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and Canada.
These zines cover topics that range from personal experiences and underground music scene culture to anarchist, feminist, and anti-facist literature. There is a particular emphasis on anarchist content due to Andy Cornell’s involvement in that movement.
Dates
- 1977 - 2013
- Majority of material found within 1993 - 2003
Conditions Governing Access
The Andy Cornell Zine collection is open for research. Researchers are encouraged to contact Special Collections staff prior to a visit.
Conditions Governing Use
In consultation with Special Collections staff, reproductions may be made upon request. Material in this collection may be subject to copyright.
Biographical / Historical
Andy Cornell is an educator, author, and social movement organizer who taught at Williams College in 2012-2013 and from 2016-2019. He began reading and collecting zines in 1991 as a high school freshman. His initial interest in zines about the underground punk and hardcore music scenes evolved into an interest in zines that were more personal in nature and zines focused on feminist, antiracist, and anarchist politics.
Andy wrote and edited zines of his own, including Nag No More and The Secrete Files of Captain Sissy until 2003 and ran a distribution service, Words As Weapons Zine Distro, with friends from 1996-2000. In 2001 and 2002 he travelled throughout the United States and Canada giving zine making and bookbinding workshops with the Bookmobile Project-Projet Mobilivre, a rolling gallery of zines, artist books, and independent publications housed in a renovated Airstream trailer.
Andy wrote and edited zines of his own, including Nag No More and The Secrete Files of Captain Sissy until 2003 and ran a distribution service, Words As Weapons Zine Distro, with friends from 1996-2000. In 2001 and 2002 he travelled throughout the United States and Canada giving zine making and bookbinding workshops with the Bookmobile Project-Projet Mobilivre, a rolling gallery of zines, artist books, and independent publications housed in a renovated Airstream trailer.
Extent
11.19 Linear Feet (30 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
Organized into three series: I. Zines. II. Distro Catalogs III. Related Materials.
Physical Location
L2 Storage.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Acquired from Andy Cornell, 2018.
- Title
- Andy Cornell Zine collection
- Author
- Peale, Anne
- Date
- 2019
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Chapin Library Repository
Contact:
26 Hopkins Hall Drive
Williamstown Massachusetts 01267
413-597-4200
specialcollections@williams.edu
26 Hopkins Hall Drive
Williamstown Massachusetts 01267
413-597-4200
specialcollections@williams.edu