Inspired by a random home DVD discovered on the internet titled “Saga of the Happy Wanderers,” I designed a zine titled “The Saga of the Lonely Wanderers” to delve into my questions and gain a deeper understanding of nostalgia. Within its pages, I embarked on a multidimensional exploration, weaving together academic research that traces the roots of nostalgia back to Johannes Hofer’s description of homesickness. Drawing parallels between Hofer’s findings and Proust’s revelatory experience, I sought to unravel the profound connections between mind and body, capturing the essence of nostalgia’s emotional and sensory impact.

Drawing inspiration from Marcel Proust’s transformative encounter with a madeleine cake and tea, which evoked a rush of vibrant childhood memories, my graphic design thesis delves into the enchanting realm of nostalgia. As Proust aptly wrote in “Remembrance of Things Past,” “Remembrance of things past is not necessarily remembrance of things as they were.” Guided by this profound insight, my experiments sought to understand the complex interplay between memory, perception, and the enduring power of nostalgic experiences.

As the zine took shape, I delved into the historical evolution of nostalgia’s diagnosis and treatment. Intriguing anecdotes emerged, such as the belief that altitude changes could trigger nostalgia, leading to innovative yet peculiar remedies like housing individuals in tall towers to simulate their familiar mountainous landscapes. Through meticulous research, I uncovered how nostalgia became a symbol of deep affection for home during the Civil War era, as caring about one’s roots was deemed virtuous.

Johannes Hofer’s original description of nostalgia as homesickness. Hofer’s findings revealed a profound connection between mind and body, encompassing symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, cardiac palpitations, and fever. He hypothesized that these physical manifestations arose due to excessive activity of the “animal spirits” in the brain, impeding their flow through the nerves to various parts of the body. Over time, the understanding and treatment of nostalgia evolved. Some doctors, recognizing a correlation between nostalgia and changes in altitude, devised unusual remedies. Notably, one doctor proposed housing individuals in tall towers to replicate their familiar mountainous surroundings, as seen in the case of the vulnerable Swiss population.

During the Civil War era, nostalgia garnered sympathetic attention, particularly among soldiers. Susan Matt, a history professor, highlights how nostalgia became associated with the expression of deep affection for home—a virtue in nineteenth-century society. It was viewed as an illness that reflected one’s care for the right values and ideals. While the diagnosis of nostalgia faded over time, the impact it had on individuals persisted. The last recorded military death attributed to nostalgia occurred in the American Expeditionary Force during World War I, and subsequent nonfatal cases were reported during World War II. Yet, as time went on, the concept gradually lost its prominence.

This project invites viewers to ponder the significance of nostalgia in contemporary media and prompts introspection into the human longing for connection, memory, and a sense of belonging. “The Saga of the Lonely Wanderers” serves as a testament to the enduring influence of nostalgia. It takes the readers on a captivating journey, prompting contemplation on the significance of this evocative emotion in contemporary society. By intertwining personal insights, historical context, and academic discourse, I aimed to provide a space for introspection and introspective exploration, unravelling the intricate power of nostalgia and its ability to transport us through time.

In the design of the zine, I made deliberate aesthetic choices to evoke a sense of convergence between the past and the future, paying homage to the birth of the internet era. To allude to this pivotal moment in history, I opted for Times New Roman as the typeface. With its association to early digital communication, this classic font symbolizes the emergence of the internet as we know it today. It serves as a visual reminder of the transformative impact of technology on our lives and underscores the themes of nostalgia and exploration that permeate the zine.

In parallel, the color palette played a vital role in capturing the essence of this convergence. Vibrant green was chosen intentionally, reminiscent of the hyperlinks that have become synonymous with internet navigation. This shade not only reflects the energetic and dynamic nature of the online world but also adds a sense of vibrancy and interactivity to the zine’s aesthetic. It invites readers to embark on a journey, where the past intertwines with the future, and where memories and possibilities coexist.

By employing Times New Roman and a vibrant green color, the zine’s aesthetic design transcends mere visuals. It becomes a visual narrative that echoes the pivotal moments when the internet first emerged, intertwining the realms of nostalgia and innovation. Through these deliberate choices, the zine seeks to ignite curiosity, sparking contemplation on the ways in which technology has shaped our collective memory and the intricate relationship between our past and future in the digital age.