Anarchism: From Theory to Practice [Paperback]

Daniel Guérin (Author), Mary Klopper (Translator), Noam Chomsky (Introduction)

Product Details

• Paperback: 166 pages
• Publisher: Monthly Review Press (January 1, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0853451753
• ISBN-13: 978-0853451754
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,059 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE book for understanding anarchism., November 30, 1998

By 

daibhidh "daibhidh" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anarchism: From Theory to Practice (Paperback)

If you had to get ONE book on anarchism, this is the one to get. No book covers more ground in fewer pages, and leaves the reader with a better understanding of the theory, history, and practice of anarchism.

Daniel Guerin walks the reader through it all, neatly dividing it into three parts: the origins of the ideas in part 1; the assorted approaches to the theory in part 2; and the revolutionary practice in part 3, going up to the late 1960s (the book came out in 1970).

The bibliography is also a valuable resource, as Guerin breaks it down topically, so readers can read more on their own.

This book puts the lie to anyone who equates anarchism with violence and turmoil, revealing it instead to be a sincere effort of working class people to build a better world.

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best slim volume intro out there, June 28, 2002

By 

A. Steinhebel (Tacoma, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anarchism: From Theory to Practice (Paperback)

I read this book in a day, and filled the margins with many, many notes, something I rarely do. Clearly, Gruien doesn't cover every aspect of Anarchism, but for a brief introduction to Proudhon, Bakhunin and Kropotkin, it is the best out there. And, our very own American Anarchist Noam Chomsky did the introduction, which is just as good as anything in the book (Hell, his intro is half the reason I bought the book). Plus, it is a very well bound book. The pages are sturdy, the print clear, and the size small yet durable, something you really don't find in many Political books... Very recommended.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Anarchism" - a well-known introduction to the movement, December 10, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Anarchism: From Theory to Practice (Paperback)

Daniel Guerin's "Anarchism" is a wonderful collection of anarchist history, with a special bent on anarcho-syndicalism. The book itself is famous, but it is also well-known for its introduction by linguist and anarchist Noam Chomsky. "Anarchism" serves well as an introduction to anarchist thought, bringing the reader far beyond the typical misconceptions of anarchism that predominate the media.