simple history series box set (zines): zine / pamphlet. published by microcosm. this 7-zine box set includes objective, accessible histories of: the nez perce indians, hawaii (1778–1959) from western discovery to statehood, the spanish civil war, crusades: christian attempts to liberate the holy land (1095–1229), christopher columbus & his expeditions to america, the congo: a european invention, and the cold war. the simple history zine series brings unrecognized or mis-told histories to a modern audience of all ages.

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

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

by emma yau, raina lampkins-fielder, rebecca bray

a wide-ranging survey of black art in the american south, from thornton dial and nellie mae rowe to the quilters of gee's bend

for generations, black artists from the american south have forged a unique art tradition. working in near isolation from established practices, they have created masterpieces in clay, driftwood, roots, soil, and recycled and cast-off objects that articulate america's painful past--the inhuman practice of enslavement, the cruel segregationist policies of the jim crow era and institutionalized racism. their works respond to issues ranging from economic inequality, oppression and social marginalization to sexuality, the influence of place and ancestral memory.
among the sculptures, paintings, reliefs and drawings included here--the majority from the souls grown deep foundation in atlanta--are works by thornton dial, lonnie holley, ronald lockett, hawkins bolden, bessie harvey, charles williams, mary t. smith, purvis young, mose tolliver, nellie nae rowe, mary lee bendolph, marlene bennett jones, martha jane pettway, loretta pettway and henry and georgia speller. also featured are the celebrated quiltmakers of gee's bend, alabama, and work from the neighboring communities of rehoboth and alberta.

*hardcover

the good fight (paperback): shirley chisholm made history as the first black woman elected to congress in 1972, and the first to campaign for president. in this autobiographical account, she shares the challenges and triumphs of her groundbreaking run for office—despite knowing the country wasn’t ready for her. her voice shines through as she reflects on the democratic party, her complicated relationship with the black community, and her unwavering commitment to justice. a powerful read from a true trailblazer. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

the origins of the civil rights movement: the story of rosa parks refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man is well-known, but the factors behind her and the civil rights movement that her refusal ignited have rarely been so thoroughly documented. author aldon d. morris traces the role that black community organizations played in the civil rights movement. using interviews from dozens of leaders, as well as original documents of the time, the dynamics of social change are recorded in this benchmark study. (this book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)

threadbare: clothes, sex, & trafficking is a powerful graphic novel that uncovers the hidden connections between the global garment industry, the sex trade, and human trafficking. through beautifully illustrated comics and sharp storytelling, author anne elizabeth moore unravels the threads of gender, labor, and exploitation in a globalized economy.

both eye-opening and deeply engaging, this book challenges readers to rethink who makes our clothes, under what conditions, and at what cost.

paperback / graphic novel
published by microcosm

transgender history: the roots of today's revolution: an essential primer on the rise of transgender activism in the u.s., this book traces the movement from post-wwii organizing to today’s ongoing fight for justice and recognition. covering pivotal events, evolving language, and the individuals who’ve shaped the discourse, it explores how identity, politics, and community have intersected over the decades. whether you're new to the topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this accessible and powerful read offers a solid foundation in trans history and the path ahead.

uncomfortable conversations with a black man: in this book, emmanuel acho expands on his widely popular video series, tackling the uncomfortable yet necessary questions many white americans have about race, and providing honest answers to questions that are often avoided. through heartfelt and clear discussions, acho covers topics like white privilege, systemic racism, and cultural appropriation. with openness and compassion, he helps foster understanding and encourages readers to take part in the important conversation of antiracism. this book is a compelling guide for anyone seeking to better understand the complexities of race in america.

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

vibrate higher: a rap story: talib kweli reflects on his journey from a brooklyn kid with a passion for hip-hop to becoming one of the genre's most socially conscious artists. growing up surrounded by artists, rappers, and djs, he was part of the first generation to experience hip-hop as an established cultural force. through collaborations with icons like mos def, kanye west, and kendrick lamar, kweli gained prominence, while also taking control of his own career. his story not only tracks his personal rise but also highlights hip-hop’s role as a political tool, one that has shaped movements like black lives matter and continues to challenge rising white nationalism.

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

white fragility: racism isn’t just the work of violent mobs or extremist groups — it’s embedded in the structures and daily practices of society. robin diangelo’s white fragility explores how well-meaning white people often perpetuate racial inequalities, even when they intend to do the opposite. drawing on examples from media, institutions, and everyday interactions, diangelo reveals how fear, anger, and defensiveness around race keep racism in place. this book is a call to confront the discomfort that comes with racial issues, urging white readers to engage in more open, honest conversations and actively work toward social justice.

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

white riot / black massacre: 1921 tulsa race massacre (zine): in highly segregated tulsa, oklahoma in june 1921, a white mob attacked the mostly black neighborhood of greenwood. hundreds of people were killed, thousands injured. homes, businesses, schools, and churches were burned or looted. city government supported the mob, insurance companies refused to cover the losses, and the kkk touted it as a great success. media barely mentioned it, and it was rarely reported on or taught in schools. for decades it was referred to as a riot, and only recently has the more accurate term “massacre” been applied. this short history creates an evocative account grounded in well-researched details that bring the events alive in an urgent and personal way, while also detailing what happened afterwards and the ongoing fight for reparations. as we reach the centennial of these atrocities, this zine serves as a reminder that we must all take an active role in not repeating the worst of our history.

white trash: the 400-year untold history of class in america: this groundbreaking book by isenberg explores the often-overlooked history of class in america. from the civil war to the rise of eugenics, white trash have been central to major political and social debates, often marginalized and vilified. isenberg delves into the roots of this class system, showing how it shaped pivotal moments in history, including the new deal and the great society. she also explores the legacy of poor whites in contemporary culture, from reality tv to the ongoing struggles of the working class. a powerful and eye-opening read.)

zami: a new spelling of my name: the term "zami" comes from the carriacou word for women working together as friends, lovers, and companions. in this honest and poetic work, audre lorde reflects on the women who shaped her life and the communities that nurtured her growth. blending biography, myth, and history, lorde creates a new genre she calls "biomythography"—chronicling her journey from childhood in harlem through adulthood. a deeply introspective portrait of identity, love, and the power of chosen family.