Having Little, Being Much: A Chronicle of Fredy Perlman's Fifty Years

by Lorraine Perlman

A poignant and touching biography of noted writer, theorist, and publisher Fredy Perlman by Lorraine, his life partner, co-producer, and co-author.

Whether you're already a fan of Perlman (either one or both), and want the inside scoop on some of the titles produced by this couple (particularly Letters of Insurgence), or just someone who appreciates an inspirational life story (Fredy packed a ton of experience into his tragically brief life, including continent-spanning travel, participation in Paris in May '68, and starting Fifth Estate, the oldest running anarchist publication in the u.s.), this biography is a delight.

Genres: Nonfiction

155 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[xDEAD ENDx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote a whole review but the computer screwed me and deleted it... Perhaps I'll rewrite it when I have more patience.

Fredy's life was a full life, and while I know I will never share the same experiences, I long for an equally strong attempt to counter the Leviathanic weight we all carry and face. His thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, and the ways in which he professed his ideas were both poetic and compelling. Those of us who follow in his footsteps would be wise to read this memoir, not in order to mimic a life once lived, but to make real an individual who had his own faults, challenges, and victories. The task at hand is never complete, and there always remain minor details to undertake as we exit this world.

How do we wish to die? What do we want to leave behind?

[Artnoose McMoose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Letters Of Insurgents is one of my favorite books, and it was very interesting to read how Fredy Perlman modelled so much of that book on his own life. Honestly there was a lot I would have wanted to know that wasn't in the book, and a whole lot that was included that I wasn't very much interested in. Still, I certainly envy his having such a remarkable life that his partner chose to wrote a tribute book about him after he died.

[karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a good book written by lorraine perlman detailing the life and books of fredy perlman. it provides insight into their lives together and the stories behind many of fredy's writings. it's an inspiring read for younger folks like us who are looking at our futures and wondering what's there. it also goes into more of his influences in the way of anti-civ theory and such.