Anarchism and Other Essays (Dover Books on History, Political and Social Science)

INTRODUCING AN EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN: Emma Goldman was highly intelligent and passionate about her beliefs, making her one of the most influential anarchist thinkers of the early 20th century. This book provides a fascinating look into her revolutionary ideas and their prescient view of the future.
 
A Russian Jewish immigrant at the age of 17, Emma Goldman moved by her own efforts from seamstress in a clothing factory to internationally known radical lecturer, writer, editor, and friend of the oppressed. This book is a collection of her remarkably penetrating essays, far in advance of their time, originally published by the Mother Earth press which she founded.
In the first of these essays, Anarchism: What It Really Stands For, she says, "Direct action, having proven effective along economic lines, is equally potent in the environment of the individual." In Minorities Versus Majorities, she holds that social and economic well-being will result only through "the non-compromising determination of intelligent minorities, and not through the mass." Other pieces deal with The Hypocrisy of Puritanism; Prisons: A Social Crime and Failure; The Psychology of Political Violence; The Drama: A Powerful Disseminator of Radical Thought; Patriotism: A Menace to Liberty; and The Tragedy of Woman's Emancipation. A biographical sketch by Hippolyte Havel precedes the essays.
Anarchism and Other Essays provides a fascinating look into revolutionary issues at the turn of the century, a prophetic view of the social and economic future, much of which we have seen take place, and above all, a glimpse into the mind of an extraordinary woman: brilliant, provocative, dedicated, passionate, and what used to be called "high-minded."
* Explore her legacy: In the 1890s and for years thereafter, America reverberated with the name of the "notorious Anarchist," feminist, revolutionist, and agitator, Emma Goldman.
* An Introduction to Anarchism: If you're interested in learning more about this radical way of thinking, this is the perfect place to start. Emma Goldman's essays provide a unique perspective on this complex ideology.
* Fascinating Era: The turn of the century was a time of great change, and Emma Goldman was at the forefront of many revolutionary movements.
* Powerful Ideas: Anarchism is just one of the topics covered in this book; her thoughts on social and economic justice are just as relevant today as they were a hundred years ago. Twelve essays by the influential radical include "Marriage and Love," "The Hypocrisy of Puritanism," "The Traffic in Women," Anarchism," and "The Psychology of Political Violence." Other enduringly relevant essays examine patriotism, the failure of the penal system, and drama as a means of conveying political theory.