For Anarchism: History, Theory, and Practice

by David Goodway

The papers in this challenging collection assert that anarchist theory has never been more relevant, that anarchist practice is necessary, and that the history of anarchism must be studied seriously. This book should be of interest to teachers and students of politics and social history.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

British historian and a respected international authority on anarchism and libertarian socialism. Gained a doctorate under Eric Hobsbawm and taught for a number of years at Leeds University.

Reviews

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Goodway has edited an interesting compilation of essays on anarchism. For those interested in the subject who have not delved too deeply into it, this is a very helpful introduction. Even those with some knowledge of libertarian thought will find this useful.

Goodway begins with an interesting comment (although I'm not sure that I would fully agree): "I consider it helpful to view anarchism as combining a socialist critique of capitalism with a liberal critique of socialism, a (laissez-faire) liberal rejection of the state, both as status quo and as a vehicle for social change, with a socialist insistence upon human solidarity and communitarianism." My own sense is that anarchism is more diffuse than this, with its several "branches."

Anyhow, the first part of the book focuses on the history of anarchism--in Italy from 1870-1926 to the Barcelona rent strike of 1931. Part II looks at the theory of anarchism, and includes chapters by well known libertarian thinkers such as Daniel Guerin (Marxism and Anarchism), Alan Carter (Outline of an Anarchist Theory of History), and Murray Bookchin (New Socialist Movements: The Anarchic Dimension).

Although first published in 1989, the book is still reasonably timely. The volume is useful in providing context for the development of anarchism over time.