New book day is always a fun day, and when the new book is a volume of Epoiesen, it makes it particularly fun because it draws attention to one of the most interesting and creative publications in the field of history and archaeology. In fact, I can think of no other journal that is as open to projects that blur the lines between conventional scholarship and creative works as effectively as Epoiesen.
This past few months have seen some buzz about scholars who have turned to creative approaches as a form of critique and to engage complex scholarly issues in new ways. Some of this is almost certainly a reflection of a growing restlessness that has come from questioning whether convention forms of academic style, language, methods, and texts are adequate to address the real and immediate social and political problems in the world today. The rise of creative non-fiction or works influences by more creative approaches to scholarly articles represents another example of a kind of probing willingness to explore new ways of engaging with our world. There’s a sense that it is not enough for scholars to simply double (triple, quadruple, et c.) down on what we’ve always done and hope for different results.
In this atmosphere, Epoiesen represents an important venue and one that I’ve found particularly conducive to some of my own work. It is my pleasure to support this project. Find the links to the latest paper issue of the journal below as well as some more reflections.
When the Digital Press was first starting out, Shawn Graham, the editor at a new journal, Epoiesen: A Journal for Creative Engagement in History and Archaeology reached out to the Digital Press and asked whether we might like to collaborate. He envisioned that the press would produce a paginated paper version of the journal which would publish regularly online.
This offer of collaboration meant a good bit to The Digital Press early in its existence, and four years into this relationship, we’re excited to announce Epoiesen, volume 4, is now available.
Don’t let its modest size mislead you. This issue is really strong and anchored by articles by Michael Given and Erin Thompson. As the last few years, the cover image, this time by Marcelo Vitores, is a miniature scholarly statement in its own right.
You can download the issue as a paginated PDF here for free or buy it on Amazon for $10 here.
And check out the other issues available here as either PDF or paper here.
And all the signs point to a really impressive collection of articles in next years issue. Check them out on the Epoiesen webpage!
Archaeology of the Mediterranean World 