ArchivesSpace at the University of Iowa

In 1963 Paul Krassner produced the poster shown below, selling it through The Realist magazine. It became one of the most financially successful and culturally memorable pieces of the magazine's history, and a high point of satire upon politics and obscenity, during the early 60s. The original "Fuck Communism!" Typography and Design was done by John Francis Putnam, who also designed The Realist logo. Poster concept was a collaboration with the suggestion for "Fuck" belonging to Putnam, followed by the suggestion for "Communism" belonging to Krassner. Putnam was a regular contributor to The Realist, best known for his MODEST PROPOSALS column. The MOTHERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was a fake organization created by The Realist for use on this poster, and for letterhead for occasional correspondence with parties of differing political opinion that would most likely not communicate with The Realist itself. -- Source of annotation: Marvin or Ruth Sackner.