YES YES YES. Revolutionary Press in Italy 1966-1977: A Comprehensive Survey of Esoeditoria

The book 'YES YES YES. Revolutionary Press in Italy 1966-1977 from Mondo Beat to Zut' (Viaindustriae publishing – A+M Bookstore, Foligno-Milano 2020, 544 pages, €45) examines over 600 publications from the Italian 'esoeditoria' movement, a term coined in 1971 by Bruno Francisci for a conference in Trento. The volume covers alternative, underground, counter-cultural, and politically radical press from 1966 to 1977, a period chosen to avoid the over-discussed 1968 and emphasize circularity. Edited by Emanuele De Donno and Amedeo Martegani, the book includes texts by Gianni Emilio Simonetti and Ugo La Pietra, and features an index. It highlights how artists engaged in politics and vice versa, with publications like Mondo Beat, Re nudo, Off Limits, Marcatrè, and Pianeta fresco. The term 'esoeditoria' was defined by Adriano Spatola as editorial production outside commercial channels, often homemade with mimeographs and Xerox copiers. The book's structure includes sections with easy-to-read explanations, and its poor paper stock aligns content with container. The introduction culminates with Bologna's Radio Alice and the rise of Autonomia Operaia, reinforcing the motto 'the personal is political.' The review by Angela Madesani notes the book's relevance in times of infodemia and homegrown blogs.