• Why Pagitica?
• Why the name?
• How did Pagitica begin?
• What is the Pagitica mandate?
• What about the website? Why isn't the magazine online?
• What is the connection with Austin Clarke?
• What is the connection with the U of T School of Continuing Studies?
• Where do I find Pagitica?
• How often is it published? When is the next issue?
• Does Pagitica have a bias in how they select work to be published?
• What can I do to support Pagitica?
• How do I contact Pagitica?
• How is Pagitica structured?
• What is the magazine format? Does it have an ISSN?

Why Pagitica?

Why indeed another literary magazine? Yes, there are many literary journals in Canada, indeed a plethora in Toronto alone — but there is a gap.

In 1945 Canada witnessed the birth of John Sutherland's Northern Review, perhaps responsible for the rise and progress of modernism in Canadian poetry. After its last issue in 1956, Robert Weaver and The Tamarack Review (conceivably the most successful and influential Canadian journal to date), picked up where Sutherland left off, fulfilling the role of a national literary magazine for almost thirty years. The death of Tamarack in 1985 left a gap.

In the years since, many respected journals such as B&A, Brick, Exile, Descant, Fiddlehead, Antigonish, Prarie Fire and so many others have arisen — many might say, more than sufficient to fill the gap. But we find ourselves at a unique juncture in in the technological and social context. The birth of the superstore, the advancement of software tools for cost-effective professional desktop publishing, and the maturation of the Internet together afford a unique set of circumstances for an innovative approach to magazine publishing. It is this opportunity that we at Pagitica make our particular mission to explore and develop.

Uh, no. I meant, "Why the name, Pagitica?

The name is derived from John Milton's pamphlet against censorship, Aeropagitica. Published in 1644, this defense of freedom of the press is a seminal document in the history of Western freedom of thought and expression. Aeropagicitca can be found in virtually any selection of Milton's prose; it is also available online at the Gutenberg Project website. Octavo publishes a CD-ROM edition in a unique format that combines high-resolution scans of an original copy of the book with embedded text to make it fully searchable.

Of course, our association with this Magna Carta of freedom of speech is an honourable one in itself. Moreover, a key passage from Areopagitica is inscribed in a magnificent frieze that runs the perimeter of the Great Hall of Hart House at the University of Toronto. And the significance of Hart House? See the next answer…

How did Pagitica come into being?

"On the third day, Austin Clarke spoke and said, 'Let there be a literary magazine, which shall serve as a sign to the world of the arrival of a significant group of young writers such as I behold before me now.' And there was. And Austin saw that it was good."

I'm sorry I asked.

Pagitica had its genesis (sorry) at the Taddle Creek Writers Workshop, held by the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies on the1999 Canada Day weekend in Hart House. It was indeed the third day of the session when Austin floated the idea of starting a literary magazine to his group. It was one of those fortuitous moments when history is made… A core group from his workshop began meeting weekly, and four months later, Pagitica launched its first issue.

Click here for a picture album of our beginnings.

What is Pagitica's mandate?

Our mandate is to expand and make more accessible the current and future coterie of Canadian Literature by creating a marketable forum to display the work of new and innovative young writers from around the world. Exploring fiction, poetry and fresh and provocative journalism, Pagitica is Canada's voice for new Literature.

"Better than Cats."
- Michiko Kakutani, New York Times

"An opening sentence that would make Sky Gilbert weep..."
- Lynn Crosbie

What about the web site? Why isn't the magazine online?

The Pagitica web site is the magazine's avatar in cyberspace and has its own identiy and purpose. It is not intended to duplicate the magazine online, but will carry content that is appropriate to the medium. Back issues are now available for purchase — except for our Debut Issue, which is officially a collector's item, and worth fabulous amounts.

What is the connection of Austin Clarke with Pagitica?

Austin was our inspiration; he continues to be our mentor and editor-at-large. He is the winner of the second W. O. Mitchell Award, which is given both for a significant body of work, and mentorship of emerging writers. With 13 volumes of fiction, memoirs and short stories in his oeuvre, including the recently released The Question (included in The Globe and Mail's 100 Books of 1999), and of course his staunch support of Pagitica, there is no doubt in our minds of the justice of this award. He is also a member of the Order of Canada, and has had a distinguished career as journalist, broadcaster, diplomat and judge.

What is the connection of the U of T School of Continuing Studies?

Although Pagitica has no formal connection with the School of Continuing Studies, we feel we have a special bond with the program, particularly with the Taddle Creek Writers Workshop which brought us together. The program's director, Dr. Bruce Meyer, is a valued friend, and we are grateful for his support and counsel.

Does Pagitica have a bias in how they select work to be published?

Yes. We are unabashedly biased towards good writing.

Where do I find Pagitica?

Pagitica is available by subscription. It is also distributed by the Canadian Magazine Publishers Association (CMPA) to 400 bookstores across Canada.

How often is Pagitica published? When is the next issue?

We aim to publish quarterly. News about the upcoming issue will appear approximately three weeks before publication date on the website.

What can I do to support Pagitica?

1. Subscribe. Our net revenue from subscriptions is much higher than from newstand sales (the stores and CMPA are entitled to their cuts)
2. Sponsor. We have a range of sponsorship levels suitable for individuals and corporations.
3. Advertise. Not only does Pagitica offer a tighly focused target market, you will be seen to be supporting the arts in Canada.
4. Compete. Enter our Literary Competition — a win-win scenario.
5. And finally, Submit. Pagitica is only as good as the content of its pages

How do I contact Pagitica?

See our Contacts page.

How is Pagitica structured?

Pagitica is incorporated under the laws of Ontario. Currently its board of directors is constituted of the members of the editorial board. The shares are held equally by each member. Austin Clarke is an ex-officio member.

What is the magazine format and ISSN?

Pagitica is a 6 X 9" format, 128 pages, glossy 4-colour cover, black and white inside with photographs.

Pagitica been assigned the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) 1492-0972.