********************************************** INTRO TO ANARCHY *********************************************** A Bibliography created by Chuck Munson *********************************************** Online Version 1.0 July 1992 Version 2 due out by August *********************************************** Anti-copyright 1992 Citations are appreciated *********************************************** What is anarchism? If we had an anarchist state wouldn't there be chaos? Who would do the dirty work? Aren't anarchists the ones who throw bombs and shoot people? What if someone decided they didn't want to work; could they get away with being lazy? Anarchism has changed over the years, but popular misconceptions remain. It has come a long way since the days of "propaganda by the deed." It is also nothing like the popular notion of anarchy as "chaos." Even anarchists disagree on what anarchism really means. Anarchism has been around for a long time. It is a worldwide phenomenon. Most anarchists work towards a non-coercive, non-authoritarian society. Most have a view that human nature is basically good, or at least neutral. Some anarchists are nonviolent and some believe that some violence is allowable. Most anarchists don't like governments and other institutions. Some are vegetarians, some are vegans, and some eat hamburgers. And the list goes on. Anarchism is a very eclectic tradition. The anarchist movement has enjoyed a revival over the last decade. This resurgence has been a worldwide phenomenon. Large gatherings, or conventions, have been held annually in North America since 1986, the year the gathering celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Haymarket riot in Chicago. The 1986 gathering had around 500 participants. Last summer's (1989) gathering in San Francisco had over two thousand attendees. The anarchist press is thriving; with many journals, magazines, and newspapers being published just about everywhere. Several small publishers have recently reprinted "classical" works by anarchists. These are usually about politics, philosophy , or economics. This bibliography aims to help the layperson or student who wishes to read about or learn more about anarchism. A list of the more understandable works in the field has been compiled, in order to help the reader avoid the frustrations that can arise in reading a more theoretical book. Not all of these books are necessarily about anarchism. Selected works of fiction have been included to give the reader a more complex understanding of the worldview of contemporary anarchism. Many of these books have references to other works, and a list of bibliographies has been included to help with any further studies. Availability of the following materials varies. By their nature, materials of this sort are most often published by small publishers or individuals and are usually not available in your typical mall bookstore. However, many of these titles are available in public libraries, and still more can be found in college and university libraries. If you can find any anarchists in your town or city, they are usually more than willing to loan you their dog-eared copy of the book. To help the person who can't find any of these materials, a list of addresses of small publishers and alternative vendors/bookstores has been provided. If you contact any of the magazines listed, they can help you find most of these materials. Some of these magazines have titles that are available for purchase (Fifth Estate being the best example). December 1989 FICTION Le Guin, Ursula K. The Dispossessed: An Ambiguous Utopia. New York: Avon Books, 1974. A science fiction book set on two worlds: Annares and Urras. Urras, the parent world, is a hierarchical, industrial society. Annares, the moon, features a society based on Taoist, anarchist and libertarian principles. Shevek of Annares, a great physicist, travels to Urras after tiring of Annares' stagnation. The novel portrays his travels and experiences on both worlds. Chapters alternate between the two worlds and between time periods. In creating a convincing anarchist society, Le Guin also manages to address the problems that arise in a libertarian society. A thought- provoking introduction to anarchist possibilities. Recognized as a science fiction "classic." Piercy, Marge. Woman on the Edge of Time. New York: Ballantine, 1976. A novel about a woman, Consuelo (Connie) Ramos, who has been labeled insane and left in an institution by her family. Yet Connie is sane, and can communicate with the future, a future that features an egalitarian society living in harmony with nature. Piercy effectively contrasts the libertarian society of the future with the madness of the present. Is our civilization, with all of our problems, really sane? She creates a stunning, convincing vision and tells an empathetic story about a woman trapped by stark realities. Orwell, George. Animal Farm. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, c.1946. A popular allegory of the dangers of political revolutions. Set on a farm where the animals over- throw their human oppressor, the farmer, only to have some of the revolutionaries become new oppressors. Two stories at once: a fable about barnyard animals, and an underlying critique of political revolutions, the state, and hierarchy. An entertaining critique of both revolutionary communism and Western democracies, written in a style easily understood by all. NONFICTION CLASSICAL ANARCHISM (??--1939) Avrich, Paul. The Haymarket Tragedy. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1984. A sympathetic and fascinating account of the events surrounding the 1886 Haymarket Riot in Chicago by a sound scholar. Eight prominent anarchists were arrested after a bomb was thrown at a rally and a policeman killed. Though no evidence ever linked them to the crime, they were convicted, four were hanged, one committed suicide, and three were pardoned. Avrich documents the irregularities of the trial and the "red scare" that swept the country. He places the event in the context of American labor history and creates a vivid portrayal of the anarchist movement at that time. Avrich's book is detailed, comprehensive, and very readable. Berkman, Alexander. A.B.C. of Anarchism. London: Freedom Press, 1977, (originally published in 1929). Short, concise introduction to "classical anarchism." Berkman (1870-1936) presents his case for "communist anarchism." He examines the difference between "Individualists" and "Mutualists," and elaborates on his beliefs in social revolution. His question and answer approach makes the subject very accessible to the non-expert. What is the cause of crime? Do you need government to tell you not to step in front of a moving automobile? Is anarchism violence? Answers to these questions and many more. Goldman, Emma. Anarchism and Other Essays. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 1969 (originally published in 1917). A compilation of essays written by Goldman (1869-1940) over the course of her life. Essays include: "Anarchism," "Minorities versus Majorities," "The Psychology of Political Violence," "Prisons: A Social Crime and Failure," "Patriotism: A Menace to Liberty," "The Traffic in Women," "Woman Suffrage," "Marriage and Love," and several others. Includes a biographical sketch. Reflects turn-of-the-century views and still relevant today. ANARCHISM TODAY (1940-- ) Beck, Julian. Life of the Theater: the relation of the artist to the struggle of the people. New York: Limelight Editions: Distributed by Harper & Row, 1986, c.1972. Beck was a member of the Living Theater collective, a guerrilla theater troupe that traveled the globe during the 1960's and early 70's. The book is a collage of paragraphs, poems, thoughts, and meditations, all written during his travels. All add up to express his vision of "the beautiful nonviolent anarchist revolution." He argues that the actor's job is to make people feel. Bookchin, Murray. Toward an Ecological Society. Montreal: Black Rose Books, 1980. A collection of essays that introduce the reader to Bookchin's "social ecology." He has collected these essays "to recover the very idea of a radical critique of social life." Thoughts on contemporary radical movements and suggestions for alternatives. Essays cover such subjects as city planning, self- management, ecotechnologies, ecocommunities, Marxism, the urban future, and the prospects for an ecological society. Bookchin has contributed many ideas to the new philosophies of ecology. An excellent introduction to his more complex books. Clark, John. The Anarchist Moment: Reflections on Culture, Nature and Power. Montreal: Black Rose Books, 1984. A philosophical approach to contemporary anarchist issues. Clark examines the interaction among technology, nature, and culture. He looks at the anarchist philosophies in Lao Tzu. The differences between Marxism and anarchism are examined in several essays. He also includes a chapter that serves as an introduction to anarchism. He discusses the social ecology of Murray Bookchin. An under- standable, readable introduction to the philosophical dimensions of anarchism. DeLeon, David. The American as Anarchist: Reflections on Indigenous Radicalism. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press, 1978. A look at the "other" history of the United States. DeLeon shows that radicalism and resistance to authority are as American as baseball, apple pie, and Chevrolet. He argues that this hostility towards any centralized institutions is a common American value, and has greatly affected many radical movements from America's beginning to the movements of the 1960's. Devall, Bill and George Sessions. Deep Ecology: Living as if Nature Mattered. Salt Lake City: Peregrine Smith Books, 1985. Examines the emerging ecological consciousness. Deep ecology is a deeper, more spiritual approach to Nature. It goes beyond the limited piecemeal approach to environmental problems and attempts to articulate a comprehensive religious and philosophical worldview. Although not a book about anarchy, one can find many anarchist concepts and sensibilities here. Free. Revolution for the Hell Of It. New York: The Dial Press, Inc. 1968. Your guide to 1960s anarchism. Abbie Hoffman brings together a collage of materials: flyers, quotes, essays, and photos. This book documents the beginnings of the Yippies. He reflects on events such as the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago and the levitation of the Pentagon. Book effectively conveys the spirit of the 60s. Abbie Hoffman was the true clown prince of anarchism. Illich, Ivan. Tools for Conviviality. New York: Harper and Row, 1973. Illich has chosen "convivial" as a term to designate a modern society of responsibly limited tools. He goes on to illuminate society's need for appropriate technology. The sociological and philosophical aspects of current technology are examined. He shows how "conviviality" can be applied to different social institutions. Illich shows that humans are part of nature--not separate from it. This book has influenced many anarchist writers. Negrin, Su. Begin at Start: Some Thoughts on Personal Liberation and World Change. Washington, NJ: Times Change Press, 1972. Writing from her personal experiences in various political movements, the author creates a colorful collage of essays that connect personal liberation and world change. She does this in a style that most people can understand. Negrin's perspective is markedly anarcho -feminist. She proclaims the desirability of questioning everything and proceeds to do so. Utopia is necessary! Read, Herbert. Anarchy and Order: Essays in Politics. Boston: Beacon Press, 1954. A compilation of essays by one of this century's most active anarchist writers. Read writes about the philosophical and aesthetic dimensions of anarchism. The main essay is "Poetry and Anarchism," written in 1938. He sees this essay as a "personal confession of faith." He ponders the importance of poetry in an industrial age. Other noteworthy essays are: "The Philosophy of Anarchism,""The Paradox of Anarchism," and "Existentialism, Marxism and Anarchism." Roszak, Theodore. Person/Planet: The Creative Disintegration of Industrial Society. New York: Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1977. A synthesis of ecological and psychological theories. His main argument is that "the needs of the planet are the needs of the person" and that "the rights of the person are the rights of the planet." He discusses the "third tradition" (anarchism) which he sees as fusing and also transcending the dichotomy between individual and collective. Roszak believes that the results of personal transformation are powerful --capable of changing institutions, societies, and the planet. BIOGRAPHY AND AUTOBIOGRAPHY Avrich, Paul. An American Anarchist: The Life of Voltarine De Cleyre. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1978. A scholarly biography of De Cleyre (1866-1912). During her short life she was very active in the American anarchist movement, both as a writer and as an agitator. A freethinker, feminist, and anarchist, she was widely respected by the rest of the movement. She was an eloquent critic of state power and centralized economics, but she also advanced her vision of a decentralized libertarian society based on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid. Avrich portrays her interesting life in a clear, understandable style. Goldman, Emma. Living My Life. New York: Da Capo Press, 1970, c.1931. (Two volumes). Autobiography of America's most famous and influential anarchist. Goldman was a prolific writer, speaker, and agitator. In her account, she describes the events in her life, the people she knew, her relationships, and manages to convey her philosophies throughout. In spite of the many hardships she faced, Goldman lived a rich and deep life. Her personal story is an accessible introduction to the complexities of anarchism. Winslow, Kent. Dreamworld.. Tucson: The Match!, 1988. Why does one become an anarchist? This autobio- graphical novel answers that question and more. Kent Winslow is an anarchist living in the American Southwest. In his novel he tells of his struggles with a tyrannical father, his resistance to the draft, and his battles with schools, the police, and the courts. Winslow honestly and insightfully portrays his life, philosophies, and relationships. His introspective and frank style makes this book an engrossing portrayal of what it means to be an anarchist in contemporary America. ANTHOLOGIES Ehrlich, Howard. & others. Reinventing Anarchy. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd., 1979. What are the anarchists thinking these days? More than you would believe. Anthology of articles, essays, and poems organized into the following sections: What is anarchism?, the state and social organization, criticism of the left: old and new, the liberation of self, anarcha-feminism, the liberation of labor, and reinventing anarchist tactics. Most selections feature clear language and straightforward presentation. Not much abstract theory here; many readers will find the references to everyday life helpful. Acknowledged by many anarchists to be the best introduction to contemporary anarchism. Roussopoulos, Dimitrios I. ed. The Anarchist Papers. Montreal: Black Rose Books, 1986. Anthology of anarchist and libertarian socialists writing on a variety of anarchist issues. A sample of some of the essays: "Theses on Libertarian Municipalism," by Murray Bookchin. "The Greens: Nationalism or Anti-Nationalism," by Chris Southcott and Jorgen Pedersen. "Culture and Coercion," by J. Frank Harrison. "The Manufacture of consent," by Noam Chomsky. "Emma Goldman and Woman," by Alice Wexler. "Emma Goldman: The case for Anarcho-Feminism," by Marsha Hewitt. BIBLIOGRAPHIES Deleon, David. in The American as Anarchist. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press, 1984, p. 196-235. Covers manuscript collections, bibliographies, encyclopedias, primary and secondary sources, and books. Subjects include theorists and activists, events, syndicalism and workers' control, and anarchism and art. Goehlert, Robert & Claire Herczeg. Anarchism: A Bibliography. Public Administration Series: Bibliography: P-902. Feb. 1982. Monticello, IL: Vance Bibliographies, 1982, 122 p. INDEXES Alternative Press Index. Baltimore, MD: Alternative Press Center, 1969-date. Published quarterly You can usually find this in any large library. An index to the contents of over 100 periodicals, most of which espouse liberal or alternative views regarding economic, political, and social issues. Indexes anarchist magazines such as Anarchy, Fifth Estate, and Social Anarchism. Factsheet Five. Rensselaer, NY: Mike Gunderloy (6 Arizona Ave, 12144-4502). Published six times/year Subscription rate: $2.00/issue, $4.00/six issues (one year). "The zine of crosscurrents and cross-pollination." The most comprehensive guide to alternative magazines and publications on the planet. Each issue has a lengthy section on magazines with ordering information, addresses, and a brief description. Also included: news, articles, rants, art, comics, pamphlet reviews, music reviews, book reviews, letters, t-shirt reviews, address changes, and a list of ceased publications. MAGAZINES, JOURNALS, AND NEWSPAPERS Anarchy: A journal of Desire Armed: Published bimonthly by C.A.L. (Columbia Anarchist League). PO Box 1446, Columbia, MO 65205-1446. Subscription rate: $6.00/six issues. Each issue includes news, letters, columns, comics, fiction, and reviews. Currently one of the fastest growing anarchist publications. Contents are an eclectic reflection of the current anarchist scene. A fertile forum, featuring many lively debates. Fifth Estate: Published quarterly. 4632 Second Ave., Detroit, MI 48201. Subscription rate: $5.00/year. This one has been around since the late 1960's. Articles, essays, letters, comics, and news. Recent issues have studied the differences between deep ecology and social ecology. Social Anarchism: A Journal of Practice and Theory: Published semiannually by the Atlantic Center for Research and Education. 2743 Maryland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21218. Subscription rate: $10/four issues. A scholarly journal that features articles, poetry, reviews, and letters. Articles tend to be written by academics and professionals, resulting in a more thorough, well-researched analysis of various issues. More formal than many of the anarchist serials, but very readable. Practical Anarchy. Published quarterly. PO Box 173, Madison, WI 53701-0173. SASE (52 cents) or $5/4 issues. Editor: Chuck Munson. Features essays, zine reviews, news, and tips for living anarchy everyday. BOOKSTORES & VENDORS A Distribution 396 7th St., #2 Jersey City, NJ 07302 Bound Together Books 1369 Haight St San Francisco, CA 94133 Fifth Estate Bookstore 4632 Second Ave. Detroit, MI 48201 Wooden Shoe Books 112 S 20th St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 Left Bank Distribution 4241 Brooklyn NE, #201 Seattle, WA 98105