Alternative literature

Alternative literature
Alternative literature is literature reflecting minority views and often published in underground press publications.

"Alternative press is alternative because of the way it is published, the view it expresses, how it is written or distributed. It can take the form of a zine [fan magazine], self-published novel, a radical view magazine, a magazine put out by a religious, environmental or feminist group, a novel put out by an independent or university press, or a book that's been made and bound by hand. Some examples of publishers are Seal or Insomniac, women's non-mainstream magazines such as hipMama, Fabula, and the zines listed in the book of zines.

Cara Leitch-Thompson, a writer and former bookstore manager, defines alternative by the point of view of the work. "Alternative Literature is written from a different perspective than the majority of books in that genre -- erotica isn't alt-lit, but lesbian erotica is." And that, "Generally, the difference in perspective is stressed -- this isn't just a book about American history, it's a book about American history, told from a socialist perspective."" http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/alternative_literature/64540

In many fields exist competing theories, schools and "paradigms". Such views may or may not be integrated in the ordinary literature of a given field. It is only alternative if it is not integrated in the normal literature. Psychoanalysis is a view in psychology competing with other views. Is it alternative? In a way it is, but it is probably too well represented in general psychological literature today to be considered alternative.

Alternative literature should not generally be considered low quality, even it does not live up to formal criteria such as peer-review. Much alternative literature may be low quality, but so may much established literature. It should be remembered that many scientific breakthrough starts being alternative.

Literature:

Atton, C. (1996). Alternative Literature. A Practical Guide for Librarians. Aldershot: Gower Publishing Limited.

Bibliography:

Alternative Press Index. An Index to alternative and radical publications. Baltimore, Vol. 1, 1969-. http://www.altpress.org/