Left Bank Books

ANARCHISM






Anarchism by Sean Sheehan, reviewed by C

"Why are there anarchists? What do they believe? What do they want? What are the events of history that make anarchism an enduring social current? What does anarchism take from (or leave from) Marx and Nietzche? Sheehan answers clearly."


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The Art of Not Being Governed by James C. Scott, reviewed by Bo

"Scott details an immense amount of hard data to back his interpretation of the Zomia peoples of South East Asia as intentionally evading States while preventing them from developing within their communities. His research is accessible for anyone who wishes to learn about cultures that renounce civilization!"


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At the Cafe by Errico Malatesta, reviewed by Lucas

"In the fashion of Plato's dialogues, Malatesta puts forward many basic anarchist ideas. Although at times simplistic in it's arguments, 'At the Cafe' is more fun to read than any anarchist primer and contains less dogmatic drivel than many."



Black Bloc, White Riot by AK Thompson, reviewed by FG

"A look into the strategy and philosophy of Black Bloc as a tactic through a postructuralist framework. Thompson traces the lineage of the Bloc through its North American inception in the 90's,  and demystifies common misconceptions about race, gender and violence while laying compelling evidence for the continued use of this often attacked and misunderstood political act."


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A Crime Called Freedom by Os Cangaceiros, reviewed by Rudy

"Os Cangaceiros: 'If we rob banks, it's because we have recognized money as the central cause of all our misery. If we smash the windows it's not because life is expensive, but because commodities prevent us from living at all costs. If we break the machines, it's not because of a wish to protect work but to attack the slavery of salary. If we attack the police its not to get them out of our neighborhoods but to get them out of our lives. The Spectacle wishes to make us appear dreadful, we intend to be much worse.' Enough said, read this.


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The Ego and His Own by Max Stirner, reviewed by Rudy

"The literal translation being something along the lines of 'the unique and their property,' this book was a huge influence not only of Neitzche, but also on 'Individualist' strains of anarchist thought. Stirner uses his sexy dialectical prowess to argue his case, which, unlike much outdated anarchist programs, is still very much relevant to a sharp anarchist critique."


#Anarchism #Egoist



From Bakunin to Lacan by Saul Newman, reviewed by Josh

"In this incredible book, Newman uses poststructuralist thought to move past Marxism and push Anarchism to a deeper, more thorough critique of power. He shows how it is important to shirk the essentialist logic of classical Anarchism and redefine our limits and possibilities. A well written and readable book of great importance to modern Anarchist theory <3."


#Anarchism   #Poststructuralism



Killing King Abacus - For Relations Without Measure by Wolfi, Sasha, Leila, reviewed by Rudy

"Amazing, intelligent anarchist publications aimed at elaborating on discourse around insurrectionary anarchism. Wide range of topics are covered from strategy/tactics, alienation, material space, value science, and much more, including translations from Italian anarchist publications. Many anarchists will dislike their anti-political stance, but I find it quite refreshing."


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Possibilities by David Graeber, reviewed by Josh

"This collection of essays is the follow up to the incredible 'Fragments of an Anarchist Anthropology' for which Graeber lost his position at Yale. In his likeable, conversational tone, Graeber uses anthropology to show up possibilities for egalitarian ways of living without a state, capitalisms origins in slavery, and ideas for forms of resistance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"


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Realizing the Impossible by Josh MacPhee and Eric Ruin, reviewed by Josh

"This essential new book is so packed with incredible and diverse essays it would explode any minute! The pictures in it are worth checking out by themselves. If you've ever wondered where or how art and anarchism intersect then you should read on and be inspired!"


#Anarchism   #Art



Unforgiving Years by Victor Serge

"This is the last novel by VS, one of the 20th century's most inspiring revolutionaries. All of his novels were written 'for the desk drawer' and are impregnated with a beautiful sense of urgency required by a man on the run, trying to record the hopes, dreams and inner life of men and women with passionate ideals living through tumultuous times."


#Anarchism    #Fiction



Vision of Fire: Emma Goldman on the Spanish Revolution by Emma Goldman and David Porter, reviewed by xian

"Invaluable insight into one of history's greatest social revolutions from one of history's greatest minds. Necessary also for revealing one of the more obscure aspects of Goldman's life."


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Wobblies and Zapatistas: Conversations on Anarchism, Marxism, and Radical History by Staughton Lynd and Andrej Grubacic, reviewed by Cndr

"Takes you on a winding journey through radical history revealing direct democracy and consensus based decision making around every corner. Lynd is a wealth of knowledge...Grubacic is an anarchist historian...together, they remind us that we are but seeds beneath the snow."


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Work by Crimethinc, reviewed by FG

"While not as poetic or dark as 'Expect Resistance,' 'Work' bluntly translates all of the ways capitalism colonizes life. A good intro to capitalism--more seasoned readers might have fun reading this in conjunction with 'Society of the Spectacle' by Guy Debord.



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