That Eric Alper

‘Keep Your Ear to the Ground A History of Punk Fanzines in Washington DC’ by John R. Davis arrives as the first full history devoted to the fanzines that helped shape one of the most influential punk communities in the world. Rooted in the mid 1970s rise of Washington DC’s punk scene, the book explores how zines became vital tools for connection, creativity, and resistance long before the internet existed. Told with care and deep knowledge, the story captures how these handmade publications amplified voices, documented shows, and linked a local scene to a global movement. The book feels alive, generous, and deeply respectful of punk’s DIY spirit, offering a vivid reminder of how powerful self expression can be.

Drawing on rare archival images, interviews with zine makers and musicians, and years of research, Davis highlights both well known figures and those often left out of punk history. The narrative traces how DC’s unique cultural environment allowed zines to flourish across decades, supporting hardcore, punk, and underground communities into the twenty first century. ‘Keep Your Ear to the Ground A History of Punk Fanzines in Washington DC’ stands as a meaningful celebration of creativity outside corporate systems, resonating with punk fans, zine creators, scholars, and anyone drawn to stories of community built from the ground up.