Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice (Working Classics) [Paperback]

Rudolf Rocker (Author), Noam Chomsky (Preface), Mike Davis (Introduction), Nicolas Walter (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Working Classics | Publication Date: June 1, 2004

In 1937, at the behest of Emma Goldman, Rocker penned this political and philosophical masterpiece as an introduction to the ideals fueling the Spanish social revolution and resistance to capitalism the world over. Within, Rocker offers an introduction to anarchist ideas, a history of the international workers’ movement, and an outline of the syndicalist strategies and tactics embraced at the time (direct action, sabotage and the general strike). Includes a lengthy introduction by Nicholas Walter and a Preface by Noam Chomsky.

“[Rocker’s] approach is far from ‘utopian’; this is not an abstract discourse but a call to action.”—Noam Chomsky

Rudolf Rocker (1873–1958) was a leading figure in the international anarchist movement for over 60 years.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rudolf Rocker is one of Anarchism's most cherished characters. Born in Germany, Rocker settled in Britain in 1895, learned to read and write in Yiddish and became a beloved member of the Jewish Anarchist movement until his death. As a proponent of the workers movement known as Anarcho-syndicalism, Rocker wrote for journals in German, Yiddish and English throughout the world. Noam Chomsky is one of the world's leading intellectuals, father of modern linguistics, outspoken media and foreign policy critic and tireless activist. A former meatcutter and long-distance truck driver, Mike Davis teaches urban theory and was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship. He is the author Buda's Wagon: A Brief History of the Car Bomb and City of Quartz. He lives in San Diego. Nicolas Walter was a journalist, lifelong anarchist and tireless activist against militarism and nuclear weapons. He lived in Britain.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: AK Press; 6th edition (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1902593928
• ISBN-13: 978-1902593920
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #556,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hope for Socialists, March 22, 2009

By 

Ryan (TN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice (Working Classics) (Paperback)

While the fall of the Soviet Union was seen by some as proof that socialism is untenable, Rocker shows in this text how the revolution was doomed from the start, and offers an attractive alternative to the party-led style of statist socialism attempted there. Synidcalism seems to me to be a slightly more "realistic" way in which to achieve socialism, that doesn't depend on the benevolence of a centralized authority. Rocker also relates some of the history of the labor movement in general in Europe, and of syndicalism in particular. I would like to have seen a bit more detail regarding syndicalist government structure and economics, the practical aspects, but he gives a very good overview of the movement in not many pages.

12 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Overview, July 17, 2007

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Mr. Steiner (New York) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice (Working Classics) (Paperback)

How can a society progress to a level of legitimate egalitarian communization without the creation of a hierarchical structure of leadership or vanguard? For anarchists, the answer often lies in anarcho-communism or anarcho-syndaclism. This text by Rudolph Rocker, is perhaps the definitive work on the latter theory. Anarcho-syndaclism eliminates the apparatus of the state as a means to socialism, whereas classical Marxist theory insists that the state will wither away once the proletarian has seized control of the means of production. Anarcho-syndaclism values the use of direct action as a means to control the forces of production, and the utility of unions and defederated workers councils as the proper structures for social planning. Rocker points to the syndaclists of the Spanish Revolution as the primary example of the theory in action, though there seem to be few cases in history of such socialization without centralized planning. Perhaps this mode of revolution is more legitimate and effective than classical Marxism or Marxist-Leninism, though I suspect that anarchism will always suffer from the fact of its inefficiency and inability to mobilize populations democratically. Nevertheless, Rocker's analysis and background history (aside from several cavalier uses of `human nature) is provocative alternative to state capitalism and state socialism.

2 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unfairly characterizes the state, but I sympathize and understand., March 8, 2009

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Kurt Walton "Kurdt" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice (Working Classics) (Paperback)

This is necessary reading for any socialist. Syndicalism must be an integral part of any progressive social order.