Emma Goldman: American Individualist

Library of American Biography

by John C. Chalberg

One of the most colorful, controversial and radical figures in American history, Emma Goldman challenged the legitimacy of religion, government, and private property in the United States. Imprisoned, tried, and later deported for her beliefs, the Goldman story is a window through which students will see a better picture of the history of American radicalism, the history of civil liberties in America, and the history of American foreign policy. The titles in the Library of American Biography Series make ideal supplements for American History Survey courses or other courses in American history where figures in history are explored. Paperback, brief, and inexpensive, each interpretive biography in this series focuses on a figure whose actions and ideas significantly influenced the course of American history and national life. In addition, each biography relates the life of its subject to the broader themes and developments of the times.

Genres: Biography Memoir, Nonfiction, History, Feminism, American History

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

A graduate of Regis College in Denver, Colorado, John Chalberg holds an MA and Ph.D. in history from the University of Minnesota. He taught American history at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN, until his retirement in 2016.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this brief but informative biography on one of the most controversial characters in America at the turn of the 20th century. I hope other biographies in the Library of America Biography series are as concise and easy-to-read. I think most people my age (twenties) no little if anything about Emma Goldman, so it was really interesting to learn all about her, from her upbringing in czarist Russia, the labor crises of the late 1800s that spurred her interest in anarchy, her enormous fame in the early 1900s, to her eventual deportation and final years in exile. The anarchist movement is another thing I understood only dimmly, but after reading this book I have a much better understanding of what caused it and what it was really about. Serious researchers will probably want more, but for the casual reader, this is an excellent introduction giving an overview of the subject's whole life.

[Krista Danis · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Chalberg gives us a relatively concise biography, though he focuses more on Goldman's feminine dream of male companionship (or his construction of her desires) than on her ideology concerning anarchism. I am not disappointed in the book, it just compels me to seek out her autobiography and other, more in depth, examinations of her political position and situatedness.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my introduction to Emma Goldman. She is a very interesting character and one I had heard next to nothing about. Very readable and I hope an accurate portrayal of her though I have nothing to judge that on. I am glad I read it.

[C.A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did it! I ROCK!
and the book sucked.
I'll update this again with my grade if I'm not extremely embarrassed!



******My book report is due on TUESDAY AND I STILL HAVEN'T HELD THIS BOOK IN MY HANDS YET!!!! HOLY SHIT!!!!!! I think I am in big trouble. BIG TROUBLE. monday is going to be an all nighter.
If its not in my mailbox on monday I am finished!



****I have to read this for school. If its like 1000 pages long, I'll be PISSED!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief. Useful as an introduction.

I find myself wondering if she really was so stuck on traditional feminine roles as Chalberg's selection of material suggests, or if stereotypical thinking directed his selections. Perhaps reading her own memoir will answer that.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it along with the students for the American history class I'm a TA for. It's a basic biography, but she's a fascinating subject!

[Craig Bolton]

Emma Goldman: American Individualist (Library of American Biography Series) (2nd Edition) by John C. Chalberg (2007)

[Tuyết An]

gooddd