NEW YORK — PM Press releases On the Ground: An Illustrated Anecdotal History of the Sixties Underground Press in the U.S. (January 2012; Paperback; e-Book), edited by Sean Stewart.

In four short years (1965–1969) the underground press grew from five small newspapers, in as many cities in the U.S., to over 500 newspapers–with millions of readers–all over the world. Completely circumventing (and subverting) establishment media, the underground press, at its height, became the unifying institution for the counterculture of the 1960s. Combining bold visuals, innovative layouts, and eschewing any pretense toward objectivity, the newspapers were wildly diverse and wonderfully vibrant.

On the Ground is an eye-opening account of the rise of the sixties underground press, which unfolds through the anecdotes and stories told by veterans of movement–John Sinclair, Art Kunkin, Paul Krassner, Emory Douglas, John Wilcock, Bill Ayers, Spain Rodriguez, Trina Robbins, Al Goldstein, Harvey Wasserman, and more–coupled with over 100 full-color images taken from a broad range of newspapers–Berkeley Barb, Berkeley Tribe, Chicago Seed, It Ain’t Me Babe, Los Angeles Free Press, Osawatomie, Rat Subterranean News, San Francisco Express Times, San Francisco Oracle, Screw: The Sex Review, The Black Panther, The East Village Other, The Realist, and many more.

Book Events in January:

Thursday, January 12th @ 7:00 pm The Green Arcade, 1680 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94102 Sean Stewart with Trina Robbins and Emory Douglas. Short talk followed by book signing.

Friday, January 13th @ 7:00 pm Spoke Art, 816 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94109 One-night showing of author’s extensive collection of sixties underground newspapers. Opening reception and Emory Douglas limited edition print release.

Saturday, January 14th @ 7:30 pm Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704 Sean Stewart with Judy Gumbo Albert and Billy X Jennings. Short talk followed by book signing.

Saturday, January 21st @ 7:00 pm Bluestockings, 172 Allen St., New York, NY 10002 Exhibit of underground newspapers from the author’s extensive collection. Short talk followed by book signing.

Praise for On the Ground:

“The underground press was a vital part of what happened in the sixties. Sean Stewart’s wonderfully edited text On the Ground lets the reader know how and why that remains true. The striking graphics and compelling recollections in this text are at once a popular history and an inspiration.” –Ron Jacobs, author of The Way the Wind Blew: A History of the Weather Underground

“On the Ground serves as a valuable contribution to countercultural history.” –Paul Krassner, author of Confessions of a Raving, Unconfined Nut: Misadventures in the Counterculture

“One should not underestimate the significant value of this book. It gives you real insights into the underground press and its vast diversity of publications, which translated into a taste of real people’s power.” –Emory Douglas, former Black Panther Party graphic artist and Minister of Culture

On the Ground ($20) is available wherever books are sold. Author is available for interviews and review copies of the book are available on request.