The Finger

''The Finger'', a journal of the arts, literature and culture, enjoyed a brief starburst in the closing quarter of 2005, running to two complete issues. Published by [http://www.centrehousepress.co.uk CentreHouse Press], a co-operative, and edited by [http://www.petercowlam.info Peter Cowlam], it featured the work of writers Val Hennessy, [http://www.allensaddler.co.uk Allen Saddler], Mari Garcia, Jack Degree, Richard Hillesley, Bob Mann, Brian Poilly, Robert Vint, Jo Larsen, and Sam Richards. Its radical ethos reflected itself as a print broadsheet (quite apart from its content), at a time when most other broadsheets were either resizing or had already resized as tabloids. Its spiritual home was Totnes, in the South Hams – focus of all things alternative – where most of its contributing authors lived and worked.

[http://www.centrehousepress.co.uk/thefinger/issue1.pdf Issue 1] was noted for its lead article, ‘The need to know’, by social activist Robert Vint, a forensic examination of UK government security policy. Initial publication/distribution was dependent on the financial support of private individuals – in particular Jack Kendrick – which couldn’t be sustained. 

‘The Moving Finger writes: and, having writ, / Moves on...’

Its two and a half issues are archived here: [http://www.centrehousepress.co.uk/thefinger/issue1.pdf Issue 1], [http://www.centrehousepress.co.uk/thefinger/issue2.pdf Issue 2], [http://www.centrehousepress.co.uk/thefinger/issue3.pdf Issue 3]