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A review of Rocker's classic introduction to anarcho-syndicalist |
Submitted by mitch
Original Publisher: Anarchist Writers |
In this 50th anniversary year of Rudolph Rocker's death, please a contemporary review of one of
Rocker's classic's.
In solidarity,
mitch (per. cap.)
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By Anarcho
Created 08/18/2008 - 09:11
A review of Rocker's classic introduction to anarcho-syndicalist ideas and movements.
Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice
Rudolf Rocker, AK Press, ISBN: 1902593928
I once gave a copy of this book to a friend to read on his journey home. He was so engrossed by it he missed his stop and had to spend an hour in a small station waiting for the next train to North Wales. Fortunately, he had a good book to read!
And what a book it is. This little classic is essential reading for any anarchist or someone interesting in anarchism or anarcho-syndicalism. Written in 1937, at the behest of Emma Goldman, it was an attempt to explain the ideas inspiring the Spanish social revolution and resistance to Franco. In this he succeeded -- and little wonder. Rocker was no academic. He was a long standing anarchist militant in the labour movement in both the UK and Germany. A German gentile, he played a leading role in the Jewish labour movement in the East End of London before the First World War. After that conflict ended, he returned to Germany and played a key role in the anarcho-syndicalist movement which blossomed there during the revolutionary events of that time. He took part in founding the syndicalist International Workers Association and wrote its aims and principles, a succinct re-statement of syndicalist ideas (it is a shame that these were not included in this edition -- a 'Rudolf Rocker Reader' is well overdue!). As such, his book was informed by experience and practice.
......
To conclude, if you are interested in the labour movement, socialism or anarchism you will not regret picking up this book. It presents a concise history of a socialism based on the constructive self-activity and self-organisation of working class people, a libertarian socialism that is run from below by its participants. Rocker presents anarchist thought in a clear, compassionate, and contagious manner. It is enlightening and inspiring and should be considered essential reading for anyone seeking an alternative to capitalism which is based on liberty, equality and solidarity.
In a nutshell, Rudolf Rocks!
Full review can be found at http://anarchism.pageabode.com/print/177
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