Frequently Asked Questions

Your most-asked questions about our magazine.

Where can I find Parabola back issues?

Our forty-five year history is now available to read in print or PDF from our online store. You can also order an instant PDF download of any Parabola back issue for only $7.50.

How can I find a particular article if I don’t remember which issue featured it?

The Gurdjieff Foundation of Illinois has generously assembled a free searchable index for Parabola magazine readers. The index will allow rapid and in-depth access to any topic/author/title covered by over 40 years of Parabola‘s publications. Download it here.

Does Parabola offer gift subscriptions?

Yes! You can order a print, digital, or combination gift subscription the same way you’d order a subscription for yourself, at parabola.org/subscribe. Simply enter your gift recipient’s details when prompted for a mailing address and contact email. Please note that Parabola does not send gift certificates or notifications to recipients.

How long will it take for my subscription to arrive?

Domestic (United States) subscribers should receive their print copies within two weeks of a new issue’s newsstand date. Print subscriptions can take up to six weeks to reach international addresses. Please see our contact page if you have not received your subscription on time.

Digital subscriptions become available on the newsstand date for each issue.

How long will it take for my Parabola online store order to arrive?

Orders from our online store take up to one week to process and ship, and a further 3-5 business days to arrive at domestic (United States) addresses. 

Note: custom-printed back issues can require up to a further 10 days for printing and processing.

How do I access my digital subscription?

After you order a digital subscription, you will receive a separate confirmation email with instructions for accessing the magazine. You can log in to your subscription here following the instructions in your confirmation email. The first time you log in, you will be prompted to create a password. New digital subscribers can click here to set up their account. Please see our contact page if you need assistance.

How do I download my PDF order?

After you order a Parabola issue in PDF, you will receive a separate confirmation email with a link to download your files. Please note that the link expires after 72 hours. If you need to reactivate your download link, please see our contact page.

Does Parabola offer any free content?

Absolutely! We feature excerpts from every new issue for free on our website, which also includes a substantial archive of excerpts from past issues as well as web-exclusive pieces that you can only find here. Parabola also offers a free monthly podcast and newsletter.