Anarcho-Syndicalism (Pluto Classics) [Paperback]

Rudolf Rocker (Author), Noam Chomsky (Preface)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 19, 1988 | ISBN-10: 0745313876 | ISBN-13: 978-0745313870 | Edition: Second Edition, Revised Edition

Rudolf Rockerb's classic survey of anarcho-syndicalism was written during the Spanish Civil War to explain to the wider reading public the ideology which inspired the social revolution in Spain. It remains unsurpassed as a general introduction to anarchist thought and an authoritative account of the early history of international anarchism by one of the movement's leading figures.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'With a preface by Noam Chomsky, and a fascinating introduction by veteran British anarchist Nicolas Walker, this is a timely reissuing of Rudof Rocker's classic (1938) statement of anarchist principles, values and methods.' Spectre'Rocker's vision remains as inspiring as when it was written ... and no less valid as a stimulus to our thinking and our constructive action.' Noam Chomsky (from the Preface)

About the Author

Rudolf Rocker (1873-1958) was politically active in Britain, Germany and the United States for more than half a century. His prolific lectures and writings made him one of the best-known proponents of liberty and freedom.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Pluto Press; Second Edition, Revised Edition edition (June 19, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0745313876
• ISBN-13: 978-0745313870
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #726,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an amazing intellectual and politcal statement, May 31, 2000

By 

Jesse Alexander - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anarcho-Syndicalism (Pluto Classics) (Paperback)

"Anarcho-Syndicalism" provides readers with an engagiong account of an egalitarian political philosophy that has its roots in Enlightenment thought. Author Rudolph Rocker presents a systematic conception of the development of anarchist thought towards anarcho-syndicalism, writing that "anarchism is not a fixed, self-enclosed social system but rather a definite trend in the historic development of mankind, which, in contrast with the intellectual guardianship of all clerical and governmental institutions, strives for the free unhindered unfolding of all the individual and social forces in life. Even freedom is only a relative, not an absolute concept, since it tends constantly to become broader and to affect wider circles in more manifold ways. For the anarchist, freedom is not an abstract philosophical concept, but the vital concrete possibility for every human being to bring to full development all the powers, capacities, and talents with which nature has endowed him, and turn them to social account. The less this natural development of man is influenced by ecclesiastical or political guardianship, the more efficient and harmonious will human personality become, the more will it become the measure of the intellectual culture of the society in which it has grown." Rocker shows that there is value in studying "trend(s) in the historic development of mankind" that do not articulate a specific and detailed social theory. Although intellectuals and social commentators alike dismiss anarchism as utopian, formless, primitive, or otherwise incompatible with the realities of a complex society, Rocker states that at every stage of history our concern must be to dismantle those forms of authority and oppression that survive from an era when they might have been justified in terms of the need for security or survival or economic development, but that now contribute to -- rather than alleviate - material and cultural deficit. "Anarcho-Syndicalism" remains an amazing intellectual and politcal statement containing a message of egalitarian hope.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Articulating a "Third Way", June 28, 2002

By 

B. Colwell "briancolw" (Stanford, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anarcho-Syndicalism (Pluto Classics) (Paperback)

Rocker's work is the finest marriage of classic political liberalism and economic equality. Rocker grounds the spirit and ideas of anarchism proposed by Bakunin in a concise social/political agenda. A far more lucid vision of a social order which is both economically socialist (or communist) and politically open, than any other theorist before or since.

Some may find it a bit dated. The sorts of labor organizations he refers to bear little resemblence to those found in contemporary societies. That is, not syndicalistic.

Still, I believe he is one of the most overlooked influences upon contemporary, Western, left-wing thought.

I also believe that the books first section 'Anarchism: Its Aims and Purposes' should be read by more social activists. It would help focus the often disparate voices of opposition, giving them a clearer vision of the road ahead and what needs to be done to travel upon it.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful and Thought Provoking, June 19, 2004

By 

Nicholas Daniels "nicholasatl19" (Savannah, GA United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Anarcho-Syndicalism (Pluto Classics) (Paperback)

This book was my introduction to anarchist principles and economics. I found it to be enlightening and inspiring. The Spanish were able to create an amazing society in Barcelona and many other villages and rural areas in the country. They created a federation of collectives which emphasized personal dignity and freedom and celebrated the community and solidarity. These values are in sharp contrast to the ones of our own rapacious state capatalism, which celebrates greed, selfishness, and the destruction of communal values. If you are looking for a better, brighter way to live that actually worked until it was destroyed by brute force, this is a book you should read.