About TCR

With not much fanfare, and even less experience,

1989

We began publication of The Café Review in the Fall of 1989. Our purpose, at that time, was to put into print some of the poetry being read at open readings held at a certain cafe in Portland, Maine.

1993

In 1993, The Café Review shifted from being a monthly publication to a quarterly journal. Part of the reason for the change was to allow ourselves more time to organize and present some of the visual art that has become such an important feature of the review. The art that has appeared in the review over the last few years has truly graced the issues. They provide for the poems space. And the eye a place to rest.

Such were the early successes of this fresh publication that it was not long before we expanded to include poets from beyond our small city by the sea. Time went as it is want to do. And twenty-five rapid years later we find ourselves having read and published thousands of poems from the most diverse of locales. We have met many great poets and artists, and made many friends.

We forever search for new, strong voices in poetry. And insist upon returning to those before and with us, presenting estimable works of the established literati. By this we pursue our persistent desire to “serve the muse,” and along with poetry she has taught us diligence, patience, and independence.

The Café Review has never sought, nor received any grant or foundation money. We have never had any affiliation with an academic institution. This journal came from and maintains its grass roots beginnings. Our support comes from one source– kind, educated people with a genuine interest in some of the world’s best poetry – people who look to keep the idea of quality small press poetry from extinction. We create a very limited run on each issue we produce.

25

We have always considered the contributors to be an extended family. One with whom we intend to remain in touch. To all our contributors and subscribers we say THANK YOU!!! It has been a wonderful twenty-five years and we look forward to many, many more.

—Steve Luttrell, Founder and Publishing Editor

1 Comment

  • Dear Steve,
    We communicated on Instagram. You kindly asked me to submit work to The Cafe Review, for some reason I can’t find our communication. I’m sorry for the delay, I was finishing up a large curatorial project, https://violencetransformed.com/portfolio/standing-up/. To follow up, I would be very honored to submit work to the CafeReview, can you refresh my memory as to how many images you would like, and if you have a preference, paintings or photographs and series within those categories? And lastly, the size/resolutions of jpgs or tiffs.
    I look forward to hearing from you.
    Best Regards
    Walter
    Walter Crump
    http://www.waltercrump.com

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