A collection of publications by underground newspaper editor, John Wilcox: Other Scenes (23 issues); Nomad (2 issues); The Village Square
New York / London: Other Scenes, Inc. / John Wilcock / Lyle Stuart, 1968-73; 1961. Although best known for co-founding the Village Voice and Interview magazine, and for editing the East Village Other, British-born journalist John Wilcock also founded his own underground periodicals like Other Scenes, which was as an extension of his East Village Other column and his travel writing. It began as a private newsletter, then a fortnightly newspaper (1967-1969), then a monthly magazine, and finally a series of ‘zine-like special issues before ceasing in 1972. Concurrently, beginning in 1971, he issued an international newsletter for “freaks on the move” called Nomad, which ceased in 1976.
During his time as a columnist for the Village Voice, Wilcock penned a book, The Village Square (1961), which contained selections from his column, in which he “diligently reports on the foibles, absurdities, and whimsies of the human race - with never a trace of cynicism or despair” (from the front flap).
Other Scene's format was fluid, often changing size, paper stock, and frequency, and it frequently featured "inserts" or small booklets within its pages, embodying a chaotic, DIY aesthetic.The numbering of issues is inconsistent and at times erroneous, so we've done our best to list the following issues correctly. [Tabloid format]: Other Scenes, Vol. 2 [1], No. 5 (August 1968), Vol. 1, No. 6 (September 1968), Vol. 1, No. 7 (Oct. 1968), Vol. 1, No. 8 Nov. 1968, Vol. 1, No. 9 (Dec. 1968), Vol. 1, No. 10 (Jan. 1969), [Vol. 3], No. 2 (Feb. 1969), [Vol. 3], No. 3 (March 1969), [Vol. 3], No. 4 (April 1969), Vol. 3, No. 7 (June 15-30, [1969?], Special Digest Issue (May 1969), Vol. 3, No. 10 (Aug. 1-14, 1969), Vol. 3, No. 17 (Dec. 1969 - final newsstand issue), unnumbered issue featuring the erotic "The Life and Loves of Cleopatra" originally published by the Diggers in June 1967; [magazine format]: Vol. 4, No. 8 (Oct. 1970), Vol. 4, No. 9 (Nov. 1970), Vol. 4, No. [10?] (Dec. 1970), Vol. 5, No. 1, Spring 1971), Vol. 5, No. 2, Summer 1971, Vol. 5, No. 3, Fall 1971 (digest format), and three unnumbered zine-like issues; Nomad, Nos. 7 (April 1973) and 8 (May 1973); and The Village Square. New York: Lyle Stuart, 1961. First printing.
As mentioned above, Other Scenes was published in a variety of formats and pagination. Vol. 3, No. 17 is no longer bound at the spine, and was ostensibly disbound for digitization as there is a library stamp at the top. Pages are corner-stapled, although the final leaf is loose. All other issues are VG, some light wear or closed tears to tabloids, faint penciled call #s to the corners. Nomad issues are one folded sheet (8 ½” x 5 ½”), 4 p. each. The Village Square in cloth boards with slightly rubbed dust jacket. Item #10386
Price: $1,200.00