Subject
Anarchism Books
Best books
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.
Bertrand Russell
Proposed Roads to Freedom
"Proposed Roads to Freedom" by Bertrand Russell is a philosophical work written in the early 20th century. This critical examination addresses significant societal issues related to socialism, anarchism, and syndicalism, exploring the ideologies and key figures behind these movements. Russell reflects on historical perspectives and the urgent desire for a reformed ordering of society, emphasizing the need for radical change in response to the suffering and injustices faced by the working class. The opening of the work presents an introduction to the philosophical frameworks and historical figures that influenced these political movements, including Karl Marx and Mikhail Bakunin. Russell articulates the need for a serious critique of the current societal structures, identifying the limitations of existing governments and the suffering caused by capitalism. He sets the stage for a detailed exploration of socialism's evolution, its relationship with anarchism, and the syndicalist revolt, indicating that this analysis will highlight the necessity of progressive ideals in realizing a more equitable and just society.
Michael J. Schaack
Anarchy and Anarchists A History of the Red Terror and the Social Revolution in America and Europe; Communism, Socialism, and Nihilism in Doctrine and in Deed; The Chicago Haymarket Conspiracy and the Detection and Trial of the Conspirators
"Anarchy and Anarchists" by Michael J. Schaack is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the events and ideologies surrounding the anarchist movement in the United States and Europe, particularly focusing on the Chicago Haymarket conspiracy and the complex social revolutions tied to figures like Karl Marx and Pierre Proudhon. The author, who served as a Captain of Police, aims to provide an impartial history of anarchy, exploring its roots and ramifications within the context of broader societal changes. At the start of the text, Schaack sets the scene by detailing the historical foundations of anarchism, tracing its origins back to various European contexts, including the French Revolution and the oppressive conditions faced by workers. He discusses key figures in the movement, such as Babeuf, Cabet, and Marx, highlighting the emergence of radical doctrines that fueled unrest. The author emphasizes the dangerous consequences of these ideologies, which culminated in the tragic events of May 4, 1886, in Chicago, where a bomb explosion during a labor rally left several policemen dead. Schaack establishes that understanding these historical acts is crucial for grasping the motivations behind the anarchist movements that devastated the social fabric of the time.
Paul Eltzbacher
Anarchism
"Anarchism" by Paul Eltzbacher is a comprehensive examination of anarchistic theories and principles, likely written in the late 19th century. The text serves as both an exploration of influential anarchist thinkers and a critical analysis of anarchism as a movement, delving into themes such as law, state, and property. It is structured to present foundational teachings from notable figures within the anarchist tradition, including Godwin, Proudhon, and Kropotkin, providing readers with a broad understanding of anarchistic thought. The opening of "Anarchism" outlines the author's intent to explore the essence of anarchism from a scientific perspective, addressing a range of mixed opinions about its meaning and implications. Eltzbacher emphasizes the necessity of clarity around the concept of anarchism and its variations, identifying a pressing need for scholarly definitions that draw from historical anarchist writings. In the introduction and initial chapter, Eltzbacher sets up a framework for his study, establishing a systematic approach to understanding key anarchistic doctrines, which he intends to explore in detail through the examination of prominent anarchist philosophers and their teachings.
Petr Alekseevich Kropotkin
The Conquest of Bread
"The Conquest of Bread" by Petr Alekseevich Kropotkin is a book published in 1892. Originally appearing as articles in the French anarchist journal Le Révolté, this work critiques feudalism and capitalism while proposing a decentralized economic system based on mutual aid and voluntary cooperation. Kropotkin argues that modern industrial society produces enough for everyone's needs and envisions a world where people work minimal hours while enjoying both necessities and luxuries through collective production. The book became a foundational text of anarchist communist theory.
Georgii Valentinovich Plekhanov
Anarchism and Socialism
"Anarchism and Socialism" by Georgii Valentinovich Plekhanov is a scholarly examination of political ideologies written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the distinctions and conflicts between anarchist thought and socialist principles, critiquing the foundations laid by various theorists, including Pierre-Joseph Proudhon and Mikhail Bakunin. It ultimately seeks to clarify the historical and philosophical roots of anarchism while positioning socialism as a more scientifically grounded approach to social organization. The opening of the text introduces the contrast between Utopian socialism and what Plekhanov terms scientific socialism. He discusses the historical context in which early socialists operated, noting their reliance on an abstract notion of "human nature" to propose ideal social structures. Plekhanov critiques this approach, arguing that it lacks the rigor of a materialist perspective, which he believes should focus on economic conditions and the observable reality of class struggle. He sets the stage for a detailed analysis of how these ideologies evolved and interacted, hinting at the complex relationship between individual freedom, collective responsibility, and the role of the state.
Robert Hunter
Violence and the Labor Movement
"Violence and the Labor Movement" by Robert Hunter is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work explores the contentious intersection of violence and the labor movement in the United States, especially during critical periods of labor unrest and the contrasting philosophies between different factions within the movement. Hunter delves into the debates over revolutionary methods, examining the arguments for and against the use of violence in the pursuit of labor rights and socialist goals. The opening of the text lays the groundwork for this exploration by describing a significant historical moment when factions within the labor movement were polarized over approaches to advocacy—specifically the conflict between political action and direct action, as represented by groups like the Industrial Workers of the World and traditional trade unions. Key figures, such as Eugene V. Debs and William D. Haywood, are introduced, illustrating the ideological struggle surrounding the acceptability of militant tactics versus peaceful negotiation. Through this contention, Hunter aims to document how these differing philosophies not only shaped individual organizations but also impacted the larger labor movement and its goals throughout its tumultuous history.
Herbert Spencer
The Right to Ignore the State
"The Right to Ignore the State" by Herbert Spencer is a philosophical treatise stemming from his larger work "Social Statics" and was written in the mid-19th century, specifically in the context of the Victorian era. This publication explores themes of individual freedom and critiques the concept of state authority over the individual. The book argues for the right of citizens to abandon or ignore the state, positing that coercion by the government is inherently immoral, and that true freedom entails individuals being able to dissociate from state control without infringing upon the rights of others. In "The Right to Ignore the State," Spencer articulates his ideas through a series of arguments emphasizing the moral implications of government and the rights of individuals. He asserts that citizens possess the innate right to reject government authority and the obligation of taxation that comes with it, equating such obligations to violations of individual freedom. Through examples and logical reasoning, he challenges the legitimacy of majority rule and emphasizes the importance of equal freedom, arguing that any form of coercion contradicts ethical principles. Ultimately, the text serves as a foundational piece advocating for individual liberty and a questioning of the moral authority of the state.
Mikhail Aleksandrovich Bakunin
God and the State
"God and the State" by Mikhail Aleksandrovich Bakunin is a philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century. The work explores the relationship between religion, authority, and human freedom, arguing passionately against the divine and state authorities that enslave humanity. It discusses the historical development and societal impacts of these institutions, positioning Bakunin as a fervent advocate for anarchism and revolutionary socialism. The beginning of "God and the State" establishes Bakunin's fundamental thesis: that the divine and state authorities exist to maintain oppression and deny human freedom. He critiques the notion of God as a jealous and tyrannical force, suggesting that the concept of deity has historically justified the subjugation of mankind. He emphasizes that true emancipation arises not from divine inspiration but from rebellion, self-awareness, and collective action against oppressive structures. The text sets a confrontational tone, debunking idealistic philosophies and asserting the necessity of social revolution for human liberation.
E. V. (Ernst Viktor) Zenker
Anarchism: A Criticism and History of the Anarchist Theory
"Anarchism: A Criticism and History of the Anarchist Theory" by E. V. Zenker is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work aims to provide a comprehensive examination of Anarchism, detailing its ideological roots, key theorists, and the distinctions between Anarchism, Socialism, and Radicalism. The author promotes a critical dialogue on the principles of Anarchism, striving to clarify its tenets and challenge prevalent misunderstandings. The opening of the book begins with a preface that reveals Zenker's motivation for writing this extensive analysis of Anarchism. He recounts a public lecture he gave following a violent incident involving anarchists in politics, highlighting the common misconceptions and ignorance surrounding the topic. Zenker emphasizes the need for a rigorous exploration of Anarchist literature, noting significant challenges in accessing relevant works due to widespread hostility toward Anarchism. His intention is to navigate through biases and prejudices to encourage a fair discussion about the theory, its historical context, and its implications for society. The preface sets the stage for a methodical investigation into the origins and evolution of Anarchist thought, starting with a consideration of its early precursors.
L. S. (Louisa Sarah) Bevington
Common-Sense Country
"Common-Sense Country" by L. S. Bevington is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century that explores a utopian society governed by the principles of common sense. In this envisioned world, all citizens inherently understand and practice rationality, leading to a well-ordered, harmonious existence devoid of the chaos often found in contemporary societies. The book critiques various societal norms and institutions, advocating for a system where simplicity, practicality, and goodwill prevail. The narrative introduces readers to a country where every aspect of life operates smoothly through an unyielding application of common sense. In this society, jobs are fulfilled according to individual preference and capability, resulting in satisfied citizens who contribute to the welfare of their community without the burden of economic mismanagement or social injustice. The author emphasizes the absence of money, competition, and the state, which, in this utopia, fosters creativity and genuine cooperation among its inhabitants. Bevington illustrates a world of abundance, where true human values thrive, and the bond between individuals leads to shared joys and collective progress, ultimately painting a picture of a desirable, achievable future grounded in rational thinking and altruism.
Alexander Berkman
Deportation, its meaning and menace Last message to the people of America by Alexander Berkman and Emma Goldman
"Deportation, its meaning and menace" by Alexander Berkman and Emma Goldman is a political pamphlet written in the early 20th century, specifically during the post-World War I era. This book addresses the implications and dangers of deportation as a political tool used against dissenters and radicals in the United States. Using vivid examples, Berkman and Goldman critique the government's actions against those who opposed the war and its aftermath, portraying deportation as a significant threat to individual freedoms and social justice. Within the pamphlet, Berkman and Goldman recount their experiences as political exiles from the U.S. and articulate their views on the consequences of suppressing dissent through deportation. They argue that the deportation process is not merely a punishment for certain individuals but a broader mechanism employed by the state to instill fear and control among workers and radicals. The pamphlet underscores historical and social contexts, illustrating how deportation targets specific groups, particularly immigrants and leftist thinkers who challenge the status quo. Through passionate rhetoric, the authors call for solidarity among workers and intellectuals to resist oppression and advocate for a more just society, emphasizing the inherent dangers of losing freedom of thought and expression.
Recently surfaced classics