A Theory of Power (Paperback)

by Jeff Vail (Author)
Key Phrases: rhizome structure, Theory of Power, Timothy Earle, Big Men (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A THEORY OF POWER In his penetrating analysis of the structure of power and the human condition, Jeff Vail unravels the functioning of our world and proposes a core concept of patterns of power-relationships. This historical critique of hierarchy sweeps from anthropology and psychology to economics and politics, ultimately presenting a model for a sustainable, human-compatible future. A Theory of Power is THE most innovative approach to anarchist theory in a generation, breaking free from the chains of past dogma and integrating the most current knowledge of the functioning of our world.

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Praise for A Theory of Power:

"Very rich, stimulating and ambitious... I salute your important work!"
--John Zerzan, anarchist philosopher, author of Elements of Refusal, Future Primitive and Running on Emptiness

"Fascinating"
--Noam Chomsky, author of Hegemony or Survival, described by the New York Times as "arguably the most important intellectual alive."

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About the Author
Jeff Vail is the editor of www.directactionjournal.org, and is a former Intelligence Officer in the US Air Force. He lives with his wife in Colorado.For additional information, see http://www.jeffvail.net

Product Details

• Paperback: 66 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (October 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595330304
• ISBN-13: 978-0595330300
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #982,226 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Also available to read free online, May 12, 2005

By	Jeffrey S. Vail (Colorado) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've made "A Theory of Power" available to read for free online at jeffvail dot net

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anthropology of Power, November 9, 2004

By	GaryA "GaryA" (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

An excellent analysis of how the mysterious functioning of "power", the relationship between different entities, manifests in the structure of society, governments, industry, even our own psychology. If you're looking for a simple but very new way to explain the functioning of everything, this book is a must read. "A Theory of Power" has given me a new perspective on the world around me, and on my role in it.

I found the discussion on the evolution of societies especially interesting: how our world developed from hunter-gatherer bands to great, centralized empires. Vail lays out the mechanics of society in a very straight-forward manner, and then lays out a plan to use that very framework to effect positive change. If you enjoy the kind of "ah-ha" moments from books like "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Jared Diamond or "The Global Brain" by Howard Bloom, then you will definitely like this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insights into the our world and ourselves, October 26, 2004

By	Sherry (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews

"A Theory of Power" explores the roles of patterns, especially the pattern of hierarchy, in our biology, psychology and society. One of its critical insights is the profoundly original theory that the ego serves as a link between our biology of "selfish genes" and our society of "selfish memes". I found this book insightful, not only helping me to better understand how I fit into the structure of the world around me (not to mention what "I" really am), but because Vail provides a clear course of action--not only to free our individual self from the control of biology and culture, but also to confront the pattern of hierarchy directly in our society and economy. A fascinating read that I highly recommend.