50 Years of Periphery
Over half a century ago English Professor Theodore Stroud found it unfortunate that Drake University lacked an outlet for student poetry and literature. Previous literary magazines Abstract and Symbol had both run for years, but had died off. At Stroud’s urging (along with his financial support) Drake students put together a new literary magazine – Periphery. In the spring of 1963 the first issue was published, it consisted of 12 student works and could be purchased for 25 cents. Periphery has been in publication ever since.
Over the years Periphery has expanded to include art and design. As Periphery evolved, the publications themselves often became works of art – sometimes incorporating a variety of unconventional forms and materials (including cardboard, plastic, rubber bands and even a metal bolt.)
To commemorate 50 years of continuous publication of this unique and celebrated publication, Cowles Library has digitized our holdings of the journal. The collection is available here:
A physical display of 50 years of Periphery will be on display in the James Collier Heritage Room in Cowles Library this spring. Stop by and see what this student publication has been doing the past 50 years.
