The Fanzine as a Historical Source for Research on Recent History. Cover Image

Fanzin ako historický prameň pre výskum súčasných dejín
The Fanzine as a Historical Source for Research on Recent History.

Author(s): Miroslav Michela, Karel Šima
Subject(s): Cultural history, Culture and social structure , Post-War period (1950 - 1989)
Published by: Historický ústav SAV
Keywords: Fanzine; Alternative Culture; Subcultures; Czechoslovakia; Czech Republic; Slovak Republic; 1980s and 1990s.;

Summary/Abstract: This study provides a critical introduction into and overview of the state of research on subcultures in both the international and Czech and Slovak contexts. At the same time, it presents a seldom-used historical source – fanzines – specific in their formation out of resistance to modern institutions, which excludes them from the scope of activity of standard archival practices. Therefore, fanzines have the potential to provide information, which may not be captured in standard sources, and thus contribute to the writing of the “history from below“. As alternative media, fanzines offer, in the first place, an insight into the opinions of their creators and reflect events within certain communities, scenes, or subcultures. But at the same time, they serve as a relevant testimony to the societal, political, and cultural life and institutions of the time.

  • Issue Year: 68/2020
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 667-692
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: Slovak