Hugh Fox

Hugh Fox (1932-2011) was an American poet, novelist, essayist, anthropologist, and small press publisher. He was a prolific and often controversial figure in the literary underground from the 1960s through the early 2000s.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Fox earned a Ph.D. in American Literature from Loyola University Chicago. He taught at several universities, including Michigan State University, but was perhaps best known for his unconventional teaching methods and outspoken views.

Fox's work often explored themes of sexuality, alienation, and the search for meaning in a postmodern world. He wrote extensively about alternative cultures and outsider art, incorporating anthropological perspectives into his literary work. His literary style varied, ranging from experimental prose to more traditional narrative forms.

He was the founder and editor of Ghost Dance Press, a small press that published numerous poets and writers associated with the underground and experimental literary scenes. He was a strong advocate for independent publishing and challenged mainstream literary conventions.

Fox's extensive bibliography includes poetry collections such as The Ghost Generation and Ice Age, novels like Shaman and The God of the Go-Kart Track, and numerous works of non-fiction including anthropological studies and essays on literature and culture. His work is held in several university library special collections, reflecting his influence on the small press movement and his contribution to American literary and cultural history.