Radical Pamphlets Old and New

New Perennials at Middlebury College is pleased to announce Radical Pamphlets Past and Present, a celebration of and conversation about the pamphlet as a means of radical thought and inspiration for social change.

 When: Friday, November 1, 2024; 4pm-6pm
Where: Middlebury College, Davis Library: Harmon Periodical Reading Area, Middlebury, VT

 What do George Orwell, Mary Wollstonecraft, Thomas Paine, and Earl Browder have in common? They all utilized the pamphlet to convey their ideas concisely, broadly, and without delay. The pamphlet was America’s first means of social media; news and opinions flew across colonies and regions—from advice on planting crops to discussions of politics to calls for uprisings. Pamphlets represented a vital and effective communication tool. For centuries, including the early decades of the United States, pamphlets urged transformative change and social justice. 

It is in that spirit of radical writing and idea sharing that New Perennials and our collaborators are pleased to present the Radical Pamphlets Past and Present exhibit and panel discussion. This event will feature: Brian Donahue; Rebecca Gould;  Ron Makleff; Brent Ranalli speaking on their respective pamphlet research and writings. 

 There will also be an exhibit of contemporary pamphlets published by New Perennials Publishing, including works by Brian Donahue, Kathleen Smythe, Lindsay Pontius, Matt Schlein, and Middlebury students Kylie King, and Mary Nagy-Benson. In addition, Middlebury’s Special Collections will host an open house showcasing historical pamphlets.