Me_small
Reputation: 53

What are some good books about anarchism?

I'm interested in learning about anarchism, especially as it relates to environmentalism, social justice and feminism. I haven't read anything specifically anarchist before, so I'm looking for both basic philosophy as well as more modern books focused on specific issues.

Answer this question or share it with a smart friend:

Avatar_default
Type your answer here…

Asker's Favorite

  • David_library_small

    In addition to what's already been mentioned here, there have been a couple of really good historical overviews just this past year: Demanding the Impossible: A History of Anarchism, by Peter Marshall (Publisher's Weekly: "Blowing away cobwebs of misunderstanding and misrepresentation, this is a stimulating portrait of a highly varied but distinctive political ideal, tradition, and practice arising from the enduring human impulse to be free.") and The World That Never Was: The True Story of Dreamers, Schemers, Anarchists and Secret Agensts, by Alex Butterworth. (that last isn't exactly about Anarchism, but it looks fascinating nevertheless, and got good reviews).

    You should check out the catalog over at AK Press, which has tons of titles on anarchism. One that seems almost too big - and this purports to be just Volume One - but that I've been dipping into now & again is the mammoth Anarchist FAQ. Their "Anarchism Starter Pack" includes that, as well as Cindy Milstein's recent Anarchism and its Aspirations, and Daniel Guerin's classic anthology of anarchist writings, No Gods No Masters. Seems like a nice present to get for yourself, and all for a measley $50.

    Finally, from what I can see, Anarchism: A Beginner's Guide, by Ruth Kinna looks quite good. (And the library will loan it to you for free: talk about anarchism!)

    Share this answer with a friend:

4 Other Answers

  • Pigeondm2802_228x243_small
    Reputation: 593

    Emma Goldmen, Kropotkin and Bookchin great staples for the traditional principals. ABC's of Anarchism by Alexander Berkman is very easy to read starter on anarchist communism. I also enjoyed T.A.Z. Temporary Autonomous Zone.

    If you want a free periodical check out Slingshot. It's a quarterly publication out of Berkeley. You can pick it up at Left Bank Books in Pike Place. you should go there anyway if you want to start reading about anarchism. They are a leftist book store and the people who work there are very intelligent. They can recommend you books galore.
    I would hit up the Anarchist Book Fair too. I believe it is August 20th & 21st at Vera.

    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Spaceship_small
    Reputation: 1812

    "Steal this book" by Kaufman.

    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Vote_small
    Reputation: 3

    Well these are three huge fields of study, but regarding the first two subjects I would recommend the works of Russian zoologist/ anarchist Peter Kropotkin as one basic philosophical starting place. "Mutual Aid", Kropotkin's most well known book, introduced a whole new philosophy of human and animal nature, one which relies more on cooperation than competition. When I first read it in high school it blew my mind, and destroyed my previous education on "survival of the fittest" or that life is "nasty brutish and short" and laid the foundation for the idea that societies can exist and thrive without a central authority.

    Share this answer with a friend:
  • Basicdnd_small
    Reputation: 138

    "My Life" by Emma Goldman is a nice readable book by one feminist anarchist.

    Share this answer with a friend: