| American Athenaeum: A Museum of Words |
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A print literary journal that blends the past and present for a museum-like experience
American Athenaeum is a cultural magazine
that features fiction, poetry, essays, opinion, author book reviews, and other literary contributions. Each journal explores the
world of words like a patron explores a
museum—by offering a view of the past, right up until the present. We consider this journal to be a museum
of artistic endeavors, filled with cultural appreciation and stories that not
only teach, but demonstrate the frailty of the human condition.
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About us: American Athenaeum takes its name from the first literary journal published in
London in 1798 by August Wilhelm and Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel called Athenaeum. We strive to offer a kaleidoscope of voices that represents the common person. Whether writers know it or not, they are influenced by the world around them. Each shares a slightly different
worldview and experience into their writing. And just as we can know, understand, and learn through the voices of the past, it is our hope that through this publication, each of our smaller worlds will grow a little bigger.
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Publishing the Voices of the Unheard
We wanted to open a museum, the bricks-and-mortar type, a place where we could showcase community art and writing. We envisioned artists (musicians, poets, writers, painters, etc.,) coming together in an inviting haven to share their work right alongside the common person as well as the known. We pictured rooms filled with art and writing from the past, like a miniature Library of Alexandria, and as patrons, we would remember where we've been, what we've collectively experienced, and consider where we might go next; most importantly, that we might begin to explore the possibility of a hopeful, compassionate future.
American Athenaeum is the embodiment of this vision.
Please take a moment to visit our exhibits, and support the work of artists from our global community. Here you'll find the janitor, the indigenous voice, the outspoken, the shy or comedic, the heroic, the disabled, the bus rider, the scholar, the poet--ultimately, your neighbors. Share us with your friends and in your classrooms, and most especially, read, read, read the voices, allow them to take you to a place you've never been before.
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Submission Guidelines
Submission Manager
Writers House
New Pages Review of American Athenaeum
Did you know? The athenaeum originated in Ancient Greece. It served as a place for people to gather to discuss works of literature and art. | |
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| Four Issues, Ebook |
$20 for four provocative issues delivered to your email. Join the many readers supporting American Athenaeum.
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Subscription starts with current issue. (PDF easily converted for all eReaders).
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| Four Issues, Print |
$28 for four provocative issues delivered to your home. Join the many readers supporting American Athenaeum.
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Subscription starts with current issue. (Includes US shipping via media mail).
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| Buy the Current Issue, ebook |
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Try out a sample issue and take the museum-like adventure
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Buy the Current Issue, Print
$13.00 + 2.60 for shipping. Join the many readers supporting American Athenaeum.
Try out a sample issue and take the museum-like adventure.
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| Join Our Front Porch Movement |
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The Front Porch IssueIt wasn't so long ago when the front porch was the main feature of a home. Connected to the sidewalk, to the neighborhood, to the world-at-large, the front porch was a destination. Families gathered to discuss big ideas, to share heartache and joy, to greet neighbors with news. But then something changed and the community-centered feature become replaced. (Any guess with what? You'll have to read the issue to find out for sure.) This issue is a tribute to the long-lost artifact, the once-centerpiece of the family and community. We've recreated a front porch especially for you, complete with a museum-like experience for the everyday reader.
Some writers you'll encounter: J. Patrick Lewis (US Children's Poet Laureate 2011-13), Paula Brackston author of The Witch's Daughter, Richie Swanson, Claude Clayton Smith, Carmen Welsh, Red Haircrow, Robert, Kingett, Nandini Pandya, Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingde, Mary Buchinger, Steven Ray Smith, and many more. Cover photo by Christopher Woods. **The Bonus Issue contains an exclusive copy of Swords & Sagas, Vol. 1, our speculative fiction collection, featuring stories with fierce dragons, talking fish, and a love-lost troubadour. Plus two author book reviews, and more.
Purchase the print version.
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The Understanders IssueAre you an Understander? When T. S. Eliot hit the scene with his rare and unique poetry, he faced mounds of criticism. His response was that he wasn't writing for the average person, but rather for the Understanders, readers that were intelligent and exceptional, the rare crowd that would take the time to savor his work.
So are you an Understander? If so, pick up your copy today. If you’re new to American Athenaeum, then get ready for a museum-like adventure. Our issues are designed to feel like you’ve stepped into an athenaeum, connecting you to writers from the past, as well as the present. Along the way, you’ll make stops through our unique departments: America Talks, Compassion City, Voices of Endangered Species, Author Book Reviews, and more. There is something for everyone here.
Some writers you'll encounter: Carol Alexander, Brett Busang, Steven Cramer, Pat Lowery Collins, Donald Dewey, Meredith Doench, Nora L. Jamieson, William Lychack, Ed Tasca, Jacqueline West, and many more. Cover photo by Harun Mehmedinovic. Now available through our store on Amazon. com. Or purchase direct.
Purchase the print version
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| Get Your Museum Ticket Now |
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Colossus: A Museum in WordsGet your copy of Colossus: American Athenaeum today! In this issue you'll visit exhibits of poetry, fiction, and essays from contemporary writers around the world. You'll also get a ticket to the past as we drive through the minds of a few choice orators who still have something to share with us. Our special departments are sure to delight, like America Talks, 1 Bookshelf, Writers Adopt Endangered Species, Author Book Reviews, and a novel serialization. There is something for everyone here.
Some writers you'll encounter: Ekiwah Adler Belendez, William Doreski, Jéanpaul Ferro, Holly Lorincz, George Eyre Masters, George Moore, Simon Perchik, Cat Sparks, Judith Skillman, Joseph Thompson, and many more.
Available through our store on Amazon. com. Or purchase direct.
Purchase the print version
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