Author
Emma Goldman
1869-1940
Emma Goldman (1869-1940) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Emma Goldman
Anarchism and Other Essays
"Anarchism and Other Essays" by Emma Goldman is a collection of essays published in 1910. Goldman's first book presents her anarchist perspectives on women's oppression, feminism, prisons, political violence, sexuality, religion, and nationalism. Adapted from her lecture tours, the essays challenged both conventional society and first-wave feminism itself. Goldman chose publication over lecturing, hoping to reach readers genuinely interested in learning rather than audiences seeking spectacle. "The Traffic in Women" became particularly influential in feminist scholarship, sparking debates about marriage, sexuality, and women's liberation that continue today.
The Social Significance of the Modern Drama
"The Social Significance of the Modern Drama" by Emma Goldman is a treatise published in 1914. Drawing on her extensive work with Modernist dramatists, Goldman analyzes the political and radical implications of major playwrights from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The book examines works by Henrik Ibsen, August Strindberg, George Bernard Shaw, Anton Chekhov, and many others, revealing how modern drama could awaken radical consciousness. Goldman published this work to introduce both radicals and ordinary citizens to theater's transformative potential.
My Disillusionment in Russia
"My Disillusionment in Russia" by Emma Goldman is a book published in 1923. Based on Goldman's eyewitness account of Russia from 1920 to 1921, it chronicles events following the Russian Revolution and the Kronstadt rebellion. The work presents a passionate left-wing critique of the Bolshevik Revolution, Lenin's New Economic Policy, and Marxian theory itself. Goldman's complete manuscript was initially published incompletely, with the final twelve chapters missing—portions she considered the book's most vital elements.
Marriage and Love
"Marriage and Love" by Emma Goldman is a critical essay written in the early 20th century. This work extensively explores the distinctions between the institution of marriage and the concept of love, positing that they are often conflated but are fundamentally different. Goldman argues that marriage primarily serves as an economic arrangement, limiting personal freedom and promoting dependency, particularly for women. In "Marriage and Love," Goldman presents a scathing critique of the institution of marriage, suggesting it leads to a dehumanizing experience that often stifles personal growth and genuine affection. She asserts that while some relationships may begin with love, marriage itself does not foster love; rather, it can undermine it. Goldman argues that the societal conditioning around marriage restricts individuals, especially women, and posits that free love, based on genuine connection and autonomy, is the true foundation for meaningful relationships. In her view, love must exist independently of the constraints imposed by societal norms and expectations imposed by marriage, advocating for a future where relationships are based on mutual respect and individual choice.
The place of the individual in society
"The Place of the Individual in Society" by Emma Goldman is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. This work examines the intricate dynamics between the individual, society, and the state, engaging with themes of individuality, authority, and freedom. Goldman critiques existing political systems, arguing that true civilization is rooted in the liberation of the individual rather than in adherence to oppressive state structures. In this book, Goldman asserts that the state historically serves to suppress individuality and perpetuate economic and political inequalities. She emphasizes that real progress and cultural development stem from the individual’s struggle against the constraints imposed by societal authorities. The text explores the tension between conformity and individuality, discussing how state power seeks to regiment and control human life while advocating for a society where individuals are free to express themselves and pursue their aspirations. Ultimately, Goldman proposes a vision of anarchism where society exists to serve the individual, promoting mutual aid and cooperation rather than authoritarian control.
My further disillusionment in Russia
"My Further Disillusionment in Russia" by Emma Goldman is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a continuation of Goldman's reflections on her experiences in revolutionary Russia, following her earlier book "My Disillusionment in Russia." The author, an outspoken anarchist and social activist, delves into the grim realities of life under Bolshevik rule, expressing a sense of betrayal as the ideals of the revolution she once supported dissolve into authoritarianism and oppression. The opening of the narrative describes Goldman’s return to Odessa after a challenging journey filled with delays and encounters with the local populace. As she navigates through the towns, she observes the stark contrast between abundant food supplies available and the pervasive poverty affecting the people, particularly the Jewish community in the region. Goldman details her interactions with local officials and citizens, highlighting a general atmosphere of disillusionment and sabotage within Soviet institutions. This sets the tone for her subsequent reflections on the broader implications of the Bolshevik regime and her evolving views on the revolution, indicating a deeper exploration of political disillusionment that characterizes the entire volume.
A fragment of the prison experiences of Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman In the State Prison at Jefferson City, Mo., and the U. S. Penitentiary at Atlanta, Ga. February, 1918–October, 1919
"A Fragment of the Prison Experiences of Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman" is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book dwells on the prison experiences and reflections of two prominent anarchist figures, Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman, as they recount the harsh realities of incarceration in the United States during 1918-1919. The likely topic of the book revolves around the critique of the prison system, highlighting the inhumane treatment of prisoners and the societal failings that lead to crime. In this compelling narrative, both Goldman and Berkman share their experiences within the penal institutions of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Atlanta, Georgia. They unveil the systemic brutality prevalent in these prisons, including forced labor, dehumanization, and the indifference of prison officials to the inmates' well-being. Goldman specifically emphasizes the lack of compassion and the exploitation of the women prisoners, detailing cope of their challenging work conditions and the oppressive treatment they endure. Berkman, on the other hand, comments on the broader societal implications of crime and punishment, calling for a reevaluation of how society treats its marginalized members. Their accounts serve as a passionate argument against the prison system, advocating for a society that recognizes the human dignity of all individuals.