Steal This Book [Paperback]

Abbie Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 25, 2002

A driving force behind the social revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, Hoffman inspired a generation to challenge the status quo. Meant as a practical guide for the aspiring hippie, Steal This Book captures Hoffman's puckish tone and became a cult classic with over 200,000 copies sold. Outrageously illustrated by R. Crumb, it nevertheless conveys a serious message to all would-be revolutionaries: You don't have to take it anymore. "All Power to the Imagination was his credo. Abbie was the best." — Studs Terkel

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (February 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156858217X
• ISBN-13: 978-1568582177
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (87 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #32,492 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Ideologies & Doctrines > Communism & Socialism
  • #52 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > United States > National
  • #79 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Specific Topics > Commentary & Opinion

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Survival Guide In The U.S. January 31, 2000

By Steven A.

Format:Paperback

Abbie Hoffman's "Steal This Book" is generally a survival guide on how to live in the U.S. that is divided into 3 parts. The first chapters on how to get free stuff is brilliant. Some ideas in order to gain free service or items area so ironic, you'd probably not think of it yourself. In section two, Hoffman describes how to take action against oppression and what to prepare for. Bomb making, first aid, and the introduction to new common sense is delivered straight from the mind of Hoffman. The third section is the shortest, but if you happen to live in the big urban and metropolitan areas, it locates address and phone numbers on where to get free stuff in a more specific sense overall toward the book. Even if "Steal This Book" is mainly outdated, it comprises on a guide to a life in the U.S. and words of wisdom he used and recommends.

89 of 107 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars STEAL IT! January 15, 2004

By "dictator95"

Format:Paperback

don't buy this book, anyone who buys it does not have what it takes to read it, get it here and read online! [...]

35 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars BLAST FROM THE PAST... but so much more!! October 27, 2000

By middlemoo

Format:Paperback

Abbie Hoffman was an inspiration to a generation - and a darn good writer, to boot!! The original tradebook size publication was a LOT easier to decipher than this smaller sized printing - but all the tricks and treats are still there, i.e.: "those ridiculous free introductory or subscription type letters that you get in the mail often have a postage guaranteed return postcard for your convenience. The next one you get, paste it on a brick and drop it in the mailbox. The company is required by law to pay the postage. You can also get rid of all your garbage this way." The attitude is refreshing - even now, after all these years!!

44 of 53 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Go there and view the book yourself... March 18, 2005

By Jesus Christo

Format:Paperback

Go there and view the book yourself...

[...]

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Warning -- This book may get you arrested... July 26, 1998

By [e-mail]

Format:Paperback

...but don't let that minor detail keep you from steal-- er, I mean buying this book. Hoffman is a rebel with the cause of bringing down the establishment that he feels is corrupted, evil and oppressive. Most of the phone numbers and addresses in this book are severely out of date, but there is loads of still useful information in "Steal This Book". Harmless methods of obtaining free food, furniture, and clothing are described, as well as some innovative shoplifting techniques are described within. Hoffman even touches briefly on guerilla warfare and bomb-making, etc... Abbie was about freedom, and this book contains some very intriguing methods of exercising your freedom as an Amerikan citizen, whether the pigs like it or not.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Street Survival Guide For The 60's June 8, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book was the BIBLE for street survival. The cons, tips, etc. are SEVERELY DATED by todays standards. But as a runaway, living on the streets of N.Y.C. in the early 70's, ALL THE SCAMS WORKED. I probably would have ended up having to GO HOME, were it not for the information in this book. Todays readers may find it a comical view of the "Revolution", but the people in the know, will tell you it was the greatest thing since the "Welfare Check". I STILL have my original copy (stolen from a bookstore, of course). REQUIRED READING for anyone studying the hippie revolution of the 60's

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dated but definitive January 14, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Although nearly all of the addresses (for underground newspapers and political groups) and technological advice (How to call for free on payphones; Using washers and foreign coins in vending machines) is sadly out-dated, this book is a watermark in the radicalism of the hippie era. Reading it is like reminiscing with an old friend. You can just about smell the reefer smoke. It still captures the spirit of that perilous time, and makes a great companion piece to Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas". On a practical note, it has important tips on: how to scrounge for free furniture; basic bread, cereal, and beans and rice recipies; making sandals out of old tires; getting free publicity for your cause; first aid techniques (just in case the riot goes the wrong way); even how to establish a grocery co-operative (Abbie called it a "food conspiracy"...ever the radical!). Someone should write a newer version of a book like this. Ah, Abbie, I miss you old rascal!

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book, especially for its time January 26, 2004

By chad thompson

Format:Paperback

Hoffman was a genius for writing this book. Although most (though not all) methods put forth by this book are outdated, this book is still very interesting and useful. He talks about how to make molotov cocktails, pipebombs, how to street fight (for self defense), demonstrating, getting free food, and how to rip off payphones. I think its time for a new revised edition, though. This book also portrays the culture of the 1960's Vietnam era. It is full of interesting pictures. Buy this book, or better yet, steal it from your local barnes and noble

I really like Hoffman because he brought humor and fun into the struggle. I suggest you also read his autobiography