100 years of modern iran: simple history series zine #6 is a concise and compelling overview of a century of political upheaval, revolution, and transformation in iran. covering the years 1891–1991, this zine explores the fall of the monarchy, foreign coups, and the rise of the world’s first islamic theocracy.

part of the simple history series by j. gerlach and published by microcosm, it offers sharp insight into how iran’s modern history connects with the judeo-christian west’s ongoing tensions with the islamic world.

a fast, thoughtful read for curious minds.

zine / pamphlet
published by microcosm

1984: the graphic novel: george orwell’s chilling classic gets a bold visual retelling in this graphic novel adaptation illustrated by fido nesti. winston smith’s quiet rebellion against big brother and the thought police plays out in stark shades of grey and red, capturing the claustrophobia and constant surveillance of a totalitarian state. this illustrated edition makes the tension and dread of 1984 even more visceral, reminding us how close fiction can feel to reality. a haunting, powerful companion to the original novel. 

abolition. feminism. now.: in this movement genealogy, angela davis, beth richie, erica meiners, and gina dent trace the work of activists and grassroots organizers fighting to dismantle patriarchal, heteronormative, and white supremacist systems. the authors show how feminist, anti-racist, and anti-capitalist struggles are deeply intertwined, lifting up overlooked histories and everyday acts of resistance. a timely call to action and a powerful reflection on liberation, past and present.

all about love: new visions: here, at her most provocative and intensely personal, the renowned scholar, cultural critic, and feminist skewers our view of love as romance. in its place, she offers a proactive new ethic for a people and a society bereft with lovelessness. as bell hooks uses her incisive mind and razor-sharp pen to explore the question "what is love?" her answers strike at both the mind and heart. in thirteen concise chapters, hooks examines her own search for emotional connection and society's failure to provide a model for learning to love. razing the cultural paradigm that the ideal love is infused with sex and desire, she provides a new path to love that is sacred, redemptive, and healing for the individuals and for a nation. all about love is a powerful affirmation of just how profoundly she can.

america's black capital: african americans remade atlanta tells the powerful story of how atlanta transformed from the heart of the confederacy into a thriving center of black culture, politics, and progress.

through decades of resistance, resilience, and brilliance, black atlanta emerged in defiance of white nationalism, birthing civil rights leaders, cultural icons, and lasting change. this book chronicles the rise of a city that redefined the south—and helped reshape america.

hardcover
published by basic books

angela davis: an autobiography: originally published in 1974 and written when angela davis was 25, this is a fine telling of the situations and struggle of the 60s and 70s. often misunderstood, angela did not want to write a 'personal' autobiography and thus was reluctant to do a book like this in the first place. she didn't see herself as that different from the lives of the millions of struggling people that she and her efforts sought to better. every facet of her own life that she chose to share with us here is tied in some way to that struggle to bring dignity to the masses of human beings exploited throughout the world. what you walk away with after reading this book is how much she really does care about the lives of people. it's not just a bunch of abstract ideas, neat theories, or some trivial intellectual exercise. it really is life and death issues. and she fought for the lives of many as if she would fight for her own.

assata: an autobiography: with her hands raised on a new jersey turnpike, assata shakur—activist and godmother of tupac—was shot by state troopers, who claimed she had fired first. despite evidence proving otherwise, she was imprisoned by a system that feared black radicals. after escaping, she sought asylum in cuba, where she wrote this powerful and personal memoir. full of wit, clarity, and conviction, assata shares her journey into activism, her experiences with the black liberation movement, and the dismantling of the groups she helped build. a vital and enduring work. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

be gay do crime enamel pin: celebrate queer defiance with this bold enamel pin. perfect for your jacket, bag, or anywhere you want to make a statement. a small but mighty nod to resistance, pride, and living unapologetically.

black farmers in america: photographs: through more than 100 striking images, photographer john francis ficara documents the lives, labor, and legacy of black farmers across the united states. once owning over 15 million acres, black farmers now make up less than 1% of america's agricultural community—underscoring a century of institutional racism, economic hardship, and erasure. this moving portrait captures a critical, vanishing part of american history.

hardcover book
this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.

breath: the new science of a lost art is a deep dive into the simple yet powerful act of breathing, something we do 25,000 times a day without thinking about it. in this fascinating exploration, journalist james nestor uncovers how we've lost touch with the art of proper breathing. from ancient burial sites to soviet labs, nestor reveals how small changes in how we breathe can lead to huge shifts in our health, energy, and mindset. breath will change the way you think about this essential human function and revolutionize how you approach everyday life.

bruce lee: little people, big dreams: bruce lee was truly a singular fellow. he was a martial artist as much as he was a movie star. bruce lee starred in hong kong cinema as a child, but his bravery got him in trouble so he moved to america. even though at the time it was hard for asians and asian-americans to get big roles in hollywood, bruce lee became as successful and famous as anyone in his generation. bruce lee: little people, big dreams will inspire future generations with the tale of this fast, strong, charismatic dude. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

claudette colvin: twice toward justice: meet the rosa parks before rosa parks, with extensive interviews and historical documentations of a high school student who wasn't afraid to lead the way in the civil rights movement. see the hardships and disgust she faced when just a fraction of time later, others in her line were celebrated. the stark contrast between celebration and disdain for similar actions poses the question of age in activism and treatment towards one another within our communities. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

climate justice: hope, resilience, and the fight for a future: former president of ireland and longtime climate activist mary robinson shares powerful, personal stories from around the globe—spotlighting grassroots women leading transformative climate action. from a matriarch in mississippi to a farmer in uganda, this book is a hopeful, urgent call to link climate justice with human rights.

paperback book
this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.

cold war: simple history series zine #10: in this zine, j. gerlach covers the cold war, an era of paranoia, nuclear threats, and global tensions. spanning major events like the bay of pigs, perestroika, and post-war reconstruction in europe and asia, gerlach explores how the cold war was marked by a series of dangerous “what-ifs” and pivotal moments that shaped the modern world. written in an engaging and accessible style, this zine offers a clear overview of the cold war’s key conflicts and consequences.

published by microcosm!
zine / pamphlet

color of law: this book seeks to confront the uncomfortable truth of america's racially segregated cities. the author examines historical elements, systemic racism, police brutality, and societal pressures that uphold and enforce such separations. redlining, gerrymandering, white flight, urban renewal, and other factors that lead to segregation aren't accidents of history or matters of the free market—they're intentional, legal policies that were created with the overt goal of oppressing, excluding, and impoverishing black and brown folks.

difficult women: this collection of stories paints a raw and evocative portrait of modern american life through the experiences of women from all walks of life. from the poverty-stricken to those of privilege, the tales explore imperfect connections, complicated marriages, and the strength and resilience women show in their daily struggles. with themes of love, loss, and survival, these stories dive deep into the lives of sisters, workers, and more, offering a powerful look at the complex challenges women face.

this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.

direct action handbook: this practical guide is a must-have for anyone looking to protest safely and effectively. it covers everything from knowing your rights, handling police encounters, and dressing appropriately, to managing tense situations and being an empathetic ally. with helpful infographics and expert tips, this book ensures you're prepared for your next protest, rally, or march.

dirty south: southern vegan eats (zine): zine / pamphlet. published by microcosm! this photocopied, illustrated zine contains 64 pages of scrumptious southern recipes that will tickle your craw, vegan-style with taste delectables—especially for those not afraid of garlic or baking. sizzling with great cooking ideas and recipes, nutrition isn't always the first priority but the recipes are damn tasty! this is comfort food done right.