TCNJ History

Title: Literary Publications, 1957- present

Abstract: This collection comprises the literary publications produced at The College of New Jersey, with the exceptions of Signal and Seal.

Language: English

Extent: 8.0 boxes; 3 linear feet

Processing Information Note

Processed by Brenda Cohen, Spring 1999, Fall 2000

Series 1, Chimes, 1957-1980
Chimes, a student creative writing magazine originally published by the Student Cooperative Association, premiered in June 1957. It was originally published annually, generally in May. Beginning in 1976, it was published twice a year in Fall and Spring. Running on average 26 pages, Chimes contained poetry, short stories, and essays. The author for each entry is indicated, as is the editorial staff for each issue.

Series 2, Poetry Review, 1980-1983
Likely a replacement of Chimes in 1980, Poetry Review was published until 1983. In 1984, it became Lion's Eye. Published annually, the Poetry Review comprised poems, drawings, photographs, and occasional short stories, primarily created by students. The preface to the 1980/81 edition indicated dissatisfaction with previous editorial policies, presumably of the Chimes, and announced a new direction, reflecting the "energy of poetry." Each issue averaged 30 pages and was funded by the Student Activities Fund.

Series 3, Lion's Eye, 1984-present
Lion's Eye premiered in Spring 1984 as a replacement of the Poetry Review. The Editor's message in the premier edition indicated that  Lion's Eye would be a "campus arts magazine." Lion's Eye has been published twice annually, once each semester (some years contain a Summer issue, as well), and has ranged from 42-65 pages per issue. Like its predecessors, it contains poetry, drawings, photographs, and short stories by both students and faculty. These materials are available digitally here: https://dr.tcnj.edu/handle/2900/3670.

Series 4, Fire II, 1973-1987
Fire II began publication in 1973. Produced by the African-American Studies Program, it was named after Fire, a literary publication from 1920-30s produced by members of Harlem Renaissance. Fire II contains poems, short stories, essays, and drawings. Published annually, issues ran on average 30 pages. These materials are available digitally here: https://dr.tcnj.edu/handle/2900/3801. 

Series 5, Gumption, 1980-1983
In its premier issue, Gumption was presented as a forum for the Trenton State College staff, students, and alumni. While publishing artistic efforts such as poetry, short stories, drawings, and photographs, Gumption also produced commentary on campus events and social and cultural themes. It was produced in a glossy magazine format, one each semester. Issues ran on average 30 pages. These materials are available digitally here: https://dr.tcnj.edu/handle/2900/3816.

Series 6, Utimme Umana: La Voz Oculta, 1972-1990
In its premier edition on October 2, 1972, Utimme Umana: La Voz Oculta indicated that it succeeded the Utimme Umana, which had been the Black student's newspaper on campus. Utimme Umana was originally incorporated in 1968. With the advent of the October 2, 1972 publication, and still relfecting Black sentiments on campus, the newspaper now included a Hispanic voice, La Voz Oculta. Utimme Umana is Swahili for "rebirth," and La Voz Oculta means "hidden voice" in Spanish. Utimme Umana: La Voz Oculta was published twice monthly in a newspaper format until some point in early 1978 when it changed to a magazine format. Throughout its existence, the publication has presented poetry, short stories, and essays relating predominately to Black, Hispanic, and Latinx themes. Issues also include social and cultural events, announcements, reviews, letters to the editor, photographs, and drawings. Many issues also contain advertising. Issues run on average 30 pages. These materials are available digitally here: https://dr.tcnj.edu/handle/2900/2322.

Series 7,  Review, 1966, 1990-2005
The Review began publication in May 1990. It is produced through the college English Department and contains intellectual and creative productions by faculty and staff. Each issue is approximately 20 pages long.

Series 8, Siren, 1995-2007
Siren began publication in the Fall of 1995. It published once each semester. Siren contains student and faculty produced poetry, prose, photographs, and illustrations. Each issue is approximately 30 pages long.

Series 9, The Perspective, 2009-present
Perspective began in October 2009. Published once or twice a semester, this magazine examines local and national political issues.

Series 10, Thornton Wilder Society Newsletter, 2002-present
Published once a year, this newsletter concerns the life and works of Thornton Wilder.

Note: Dates indicate extent of archival holdings, not publication history

The collection is arranged alphabetically by individual publication, then chronologically by year and semester. There are ten series in the collection.