Peake Studies (journal)

The initiator of the magazine was the British scientist Peter Winnington, who has been actively studying the works of Mervyn Peak since 1970 ^[1] . He created an extensive bibliography on the topic, at the same time publishing a number of articles and scientific studies not translated into Russian. ^[2]

His authorship belongs to:

• Vast Alchemies: the life and work of Mervyn Peake (2000)
• Mervyn Peake: the man and his art (2006)
• The Voice of the Heart: the working of Mervyn Peake's imagination (2006)
• Mervyn Peake's Vast Alchemies (2009)

A not insignificant role in the creation of the magazine was played by Mervyn Peak's son, Sebastian Peak, who provided material for publication and throughout his activity actively supported the good name of his father . The magazine was published twice a year, in spring and autumn, from November 1988 to November 2015. It contained high-quality, 48-page-printed numbers, the last of which were color ^[3] . The reason for the closure of the magazine was the lack of material. Peter Winnington comments on this decision as follows:

... far from many people wanted to write about Peak, and without input, the magazine lost its meaning of existence. Another goal, publishing Peak's work, was more fulfilled. Nevertheless, many drawings and paintings remain in private use (and for this reason they are hidden from the rest of the world). However, the number of unpublished poems and prose now, I believe, is small. ^[four]

Despite the closure, Peake Studies is a unique and independent portal dedicated to criticism and discussion for anyone interested in the life and work of Mervyn Peak. The portal contains articles, reviews, current news and controversial, views on the work of Peak, an analysis of his contribution to literature and art. Peak's previously unpublished or little-known works are regularly covered - drawings, paintings, poems, plays and letters, as well as the work of other artists inspired by his work. Thanks to the extensive material, this resource provides ample opportunities for further research in the field of philology and linguistics .

Critics spoke positively about the work of the magazine. The 3rd issue of the second volume of November 1991 was noted in the SFRA Review, where Neil Barron notes that the magazine “meets the high standards of art and technical editing and content” ^[5] .

The magazine "Science Fiction" notes:

This magazine is not only an extensive collection of materials, but also serves as a starting point for further reading. The value of production and advanced standards for publications are incredibly significant and necessary in such narrow circles. ^[5]

.

British Fiction Society:

... one of the most interesting and full-fledged magazines dedicated to an individual author in the field of science fiction. ^[5]

.

1. Peak M. Titus Groan / Gormengast Trilogy. Volume 1, Symposium , 2003
2. Peak M. Gormengast / Trilogy "Gormengast". Volume 2, Symposium , 2003
3. Peak M. Loneliness of Titus / Gormengast Trilogy. Volume 3, Symposium , 2004
4. Winnington P. Miracle Enough, Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2011
5. Winnington P. Mervyn Peake's Vast Alchemies, Peter Owen, 2009.
6. Peake S. Mervyn Peake: The Man and His Art, Peter Owen, 2007
7. The official site dedicated to Mervyn Peak .
8. The official website of Peake Studies .
9. Mervyn Peak. The Literary Encyclopedia and Literary Dictionary .
10. Gormengast. The Titus Groan Novels .