A complete collection in 22 issues of the 1960s Libertarian journal, scattered illustrations. Quarto (11 x 8 3/8 inches). Original printed wrappers, some illustrated, with covers designs by famed American graphic designer Herb Lubalin (1918-1981). Light scattered soiling and general handling wear, some light foxing, overall excellent. New York: Fact Magazine, 1964-1967.

Fact was one a few publications from editor and publisher Ralph Ginzburg, who became best known for publishing books and magazines on erotica and art, and for his 1963 conviction for violating federal obscenity laws. His most famous publication, Eros, a "classy erotica" magazine, launched in 1962 and only lasted four issues before his indictment.

Some of the most notable features of Fact are the provocative typographic covers designed by Lubalin. At first glance simple, displaying primarily text in black and white, the covers are nonetheless striking and bold and are still prized today as excellent and ground-breaking examples of graphic design and typography.

The magazine as a whole pulled no punches in its publication. A brief article titled "When Magazines Had Balls" by Steven Heller, published in Print Magazine in 2010, reads "Fact, designed by Herb Lubalin, [was] devoted to peeling away the facades on many corporations, politicians, and religious institutions." The title page of the first page of Fact reads, "Fact is dedicated to the proposition that a great magazine, in its quest for truth, will dare to defy not only Convention, not only Big Business, not only the Church and the State, but, if necessary, its readers." Some of the topics it touched on included the negligent practices of American car manufacturers, the carcinogenic nature of cigarettes, the dangers of Coca-Cola consumption, hatred for the Star-Spangled Banner, obesity, American policy in Vietnam, police brutality, interracial marriage, circumcision, and the Kennedy assassination.

Fact became most famous for its fifth issue, published in September/October 1964 ahead of the Presidential election between President Lyndon B. Johnson and Republican Senator Barry Goldwater. The cover of this issue reads "1,189 Psychiatrists Say Goldwater Is Psychologically Unfit To Be President!" After losing the election in a landslide, Senator Goldwater sued Ginzburg for libel. Goldwater won the case and was awarded $75,000 in punitive damages, which essentially put an end to Fact.

A fascinating political magazine from the tumultuous 1960s in America.

Book ID: 53281

Price: $750.00