The Thousands

Self-publishing has changed a bit since 1819, when Barron Field produced FIRST FRUITS OF AUSTRALIAN POETRY for the ‘enjoyment’ of his mates. The last 180-something years have seen advances in print technology – and content. (Word at the RSL is that scurvy was more popular than Fields’ FRUITS, but you didn’t hear it from us.)

Enter the 21st century, and say hello to the ‘zine’ (zeen) a self-published, (usually) non-commercial ode to everything from CANE TOAD WARRIOR(s) to THE SOUNDS OF TEA CUPS.**This weekend’s Spring Zine Fair sees brilliant zinesters Ben Hutchings, Leigh Rigozzi and Miss Helen combine for a day of croquet, food stalls, live music and of course, zines. It might be a drive, but it beats the pants off a cup of dusty Gloria’s and Bryce Courtenay at Borders.