***Read below for subscription instructions***
First To Knock is proud to present... First To Knock... an irregularly-issued, print-only, subscription-based periodical of new writings, exhumed un-classics, translations, art, and anything else deemed relevant by the editorial brain trust. This is an efficient means to stay networked and up to date on shorter form action and ephemeral material without being jacked into the mainframe 24/7.
Each issue is loosely themed. The periodical is edited by Michael P. Daley and Nico Ponce de Leon Dios.
Vol. I Issue #1 was published in January 2023 and featured Heinrich von Kleist (presented and translated by Matthew Spencer); Algernon Blackwood (historically analyzed by Sam Kunkel); Vasistha (retold by Julia Bembenek); and Donald Bruno illustrated the cover.
Vol. I Issue #2 was published in June 2023 and featured the symbolism of the Chartres Cathedral (interpreted by Sam Kunkel); a prison ball comic strip (written and illustrated by Sterling Bartlett); a computational history of π (explored by Theophilus L. Human); and Nico Ponce de Leon Dios provided the cover artwork.
Vol. I Issue #3 was published in July 2023. This was an all-Maurice Blanchot issue, featuring work by scholars Bryan Counter, John McKeane, and Jeff Fort. Hand titling was done by Sterling Bartlett.
Vol. I Issue #4 was published in December 2023. Sam Kunkel, scholar of Symbolist literature, discussed Gustave Kahn and 19th century French anarchism. Theophilus L. Human, physicist and former operator of U.S. Navy nuclear power plants, explored the limits of scientific epistemology and modeling. Jack Womack, Phillip K. Dick Award-winning novelist, recapped one of his favorite books. Michael P. Daley, historian and periodical editor, translated a morsel of 17th century Jesuit wisdom from Spain. James de Llis, of the Hermitix Podcast, traced that puzzling horseshoe effect wherein void-gazing nihilism resolves into reactionary politics.
Vol. II Issue #1 is set to be published in early 2025. Pseudo-Plutarch advises on the benefits of not speaking one's mind. Periodical co-editor Nico Ponce de Leon Dios discusses the language of dogs. Emily McHugh details a brief history of Puritan New England grave rubbing, replete with illustrations of her work. Matt Sweeney recommends a favorite New York book. Bryan Counter examines Tristram Shandy. Theophilus L. Human analyzes the science of signals and noise.
The aforementioned subscription instructions are as follows...
This periodical is entirely free (so long as the bleeding can be withstood). If you want to subscribe, please send an email to info @ first to knock . com with the following:
Subj: FTK Periodical: [Your Name]
Body: [Name] / [Address] / [best contact aka email or phone]
You can unsubscribe or change your address anytime thereafter by emailing info @ first to knock . com
Do note:
This periodical is entirely print-only and delivered by mail. There will be no e-books, pdfs, or other digital perversions.
This periodical is for subscribers and will not be available for ad hoc requests: Do not come a-knocking in an ala carte mode. Also, to that end, we cannot fulfill back issue requests because we only print quantities based upon the current subscription numbers.
The periodical will print and deliver via USPS whenever we can find the time to publish.
If you send a subscription request via direct message on social media, your request will not be honored.
