A Brief History of The Cathartic

The Cathartic was founded in Buffalo, NY, in 1974. It was a small poetry magazine devoted to the unknown poet, with the understanding that most poets are unknown in America.

It attempted to publish the best poetry submitted. Though there never was a theme to any issue of the magazine, it often used poetry that came from the dark side of life. This was never out of despair but out of the hope that poetry could lead us to the light. The final issue was Number 35, Fall/Winter 1995.

To sample some of the work that appeared in the magazine over the years, click on a cover below.

Number 18, Spring 1987----Number 25, Spring 1990----Number 31, Fall/Winter 1993