Engaging new arts tabloid Arthur, distributed free in 11 North American cities, is full of fascinating profiles and interviews with upcoming artists, writers, and musicians?as well as some who?ve been unjustly overlooked. It?s also a venue for comics by creators who?ll someday be famous. $5 (1 issue) from 195 Chrystie St., #503, New York, NY 10002; www.arthurmag.com

Future 500: Youth Organizing and Activism in the United States (Subway & Elevated Press) contains inspirational profiles and interviews with young activists, a detailed directory of youth-led grassroots organizations, and a list of allied programs and institutions. $12 from New Mouth from the Dirty South, Box 19742, New Orleans, LA 70179; www.Future500.com

New from Chicago-based Charles H. Kerr, perhaps the oldest radical publisher on the planet: Franklin Rosemont?s Joe Hill (a fascinating book about the Swedish-American labor hero), an expanded edition of Paul Garon?s The Devil?s Son-in-Law (a biography of blues musician Peetie Wheatstraw that comes with a 24-track CD), and Carlos Cortez?s Viva Posada!, a salute to Mexican printmaker Jos? Guadalupe Posada. From 1740 W. Greenleaf Ave., Chicago, IL 60626.

Now in its sixth year, but new to me: quarterly magazine Chicago Wilderness explores wild areas and wildlife around the city. Each issue includes urban ecological news and guides to nature reserves, as well as full-fledged articles on topics from the proposed new airport to Hyde Park?s population of monk parakeets. $14 (4 issues) from Box 5054, Skokie, IL 60076; www.chicagowildernessmag.org

Also bioregional, the Maine-based Northern Sky News is a monthly covering ?the environment of New England and the Maritimes.? Since its inception last summer, it has regularly published interesting, thoughtful articles that transcend regional importance, on topics from mountain lions (making a comeback?) to the economics of organic dairy farming. $20 (12 issues) from 94 Union St., Belfast, ME 04915; www.northernskynews.com

Emma Goldman: A Documentary History of the American Years, Volume One (University of California Press) is a vast sourcebook of fascinating newspaper articles, letters, trial transcripts, and speeches from the years 1890 to 1901 by the famous firebrand who spent her life agitating for freedom. It?s especially instructive in today?s climate of constricted civil liberties. $60 from 800-UC-BOOKS; www.ucpress.edu