384 pages, 50 poets; paper edition

$20.00

Hefty, ambitious anthology edited and published by Charles Potts, who, after many twists and turns, is more verile and productive in the year 2000 than he was 35 years ago in Berkeley.

The title of this book, however, is a misnomer. The anthology is spiritual in patches, like black ice, and only nominally Northwest in orientation--the collection includes Charles Bukowski, who was hardcore L.A., and poets from places as far away as Michigan and New Jersey. It could be that Potts, who is a long-time Northwest denizen, with Berkeley and Salt Lake City in his wake, assumes these geogrphically dislocated poets are part of his spirit (as indeed they are), and in that sense they ARE part of Pacific Northwest poetry and spirituality.

Whatever. There is strength and integrity in the pages of PNSP, and a roster of poets cross-pollinating over more than three decades from Charles Foster and Andy Clausen to Sherman Alexie and Sharon Doubiago. Worth the read.

70 pages

saddlestitch paper edition

$5.00 postage paid

Jack Saunders is to James Joyce as Joyce is to Hemmingway--an exponential nightmare, or ephiphany, depending on how anal retentative you are.

What this little book is is something very few people would ever attempt: something to help guide you through the labyrinth of Saunders' gargantuan literary outpouring.

The book is broken down into four sections, the first two of which consist of samples of Saunders' writing:

*Vernacular Vignettes (by subject).

*Blasts and One-liners (by book).

*Reasons for Art & Jack: essay-style analysis of different facets Saunders' writing, written by Jeff Potter.

Poetry.

unpaginated.

no price--send $5.00

Robert Head is a dyed-in-the-wool outsider who edited, along with Darlene Fife back in the 60s, the notorious New Orleans underground paper, NOLA Express. A fine uncompromising poet with a unique voice. Check him out.

Pudding House, under the lash of Jennifer Bosveld, has been at it for 20 years or more. In that time they have turned out 40 issues of their poetry magazine, Pudding, and more than 80 chapbooks. Believe it or not, that is just the tip of the iceberg. Pudding House also does a broadside series and sponsors countless readings and workshops out of their headquarters/home in Johnstown. But what is truly amazing is that all this activity is permeated with freshness, excitement and quality poetry. Greg Kosmicki, the feature poet in Pudding #40, reads like a kissing cousin of Albert Huffstickler's, and the 12 pages of his poetry alone are worth the cover price of $7.95.

Tsunami Press is mentioned above in conjunction with the book Pacific Northwest Spiritual Poetry. In addition to publishing handsome, substantial books, Tsunami Press publishes The Temple, one of the more important social/literary/spiritual quarterlies in the country. Charles Potts, the editor, is an enduring, constantly rejuvenating force in American literature. He has a big intellect and street roots in the 60s. The Temple is ecclectic with a true international scope and an emphasis on translations. Simultaneously free-spirited and professional.

In the tradition and spirit of the mimeo revolution publications of the 60s. A torch carrier. Has produced a number of sassy chapbooks by authors such as Albert Huffstickler, Errol Miller, Alan Catlin, A.D. Winans and Wade Vonasek, and regularly brings out First Class, issue #14 just off the press.

$4 single copy; $10 for a 3-issue subscription.

Jim Buchanan, editor. A tight display of poetry and prose each issue. Also does books. Send for a list, buy a couple, subscribe....

Brouhaha was a classic. I say was, because after 15 issues the mag folded. But the press, under the astute editorship of Ian Griffin (let's face it, a press is its editor if it is a true independent), continues to put out razor-sharp chaps with a very warm home-grown feel to them that is lacking in almost all small press publications in this Cyber Space Era. This one needs and flat-out deserves your support. Write or e-mail for a list of books available.

In many ways, House Organ reminds me of the classic of classics in the small-press poetry world, Wormwood Review. Editor Kenneth Warren never wavers in format and quality, and he cranks out issue after issue after issue. Such steadfast consistancy is somehow reassuring. The message is: hey man, quit pissing and moaning and snivelling and longing for the brass ring and just do it...

Small Press Review is the grand daddy of small-press review journals. In existence since the mid-60s, Len Fulton's SPR has not missed a beat in keeping abreast of the changing small-press scene. For the most comprehensive overview of what is getting published in the world of small press today, this is the bible.

Perhaps the sharpest, in-depth independent review journal on the scene today. E-mail them for subscription rates. Intelligent review mags with integrity are as rare as fleas on a vestal virgin--they warrant support.