The Haymarket Tragedy

by Paul Avrich

This is the first paperback edition of a moving appraisal of the infamous Haymarket bombing (May 1886) and the trial that followed it--a trial that was a cause célèbre in the 1880s and that has since been recognized as one of the most unjust in the annals of American jurisprudence. Paul Avrich shows how eight anarchists who were blamed for the bombing at a workers' meeting near Chicago's Haymarket Square became the focus of a variety of passionately waged struggles.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, American History, Labor

556 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

"He was a noted historian and professor who authored many books on anarchist history, including books on the Haymarket Riot, the Modern School Movement, the Russian Revolution and a collection of oral interviews with American anarchists titled Anarchist Voices. Avrich was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize several times and in 1984 he won the Philip Taft Labor History Award."
From Infoshop News obituary http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?...

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I finished this book today, John and I walked over to the Haymarket monument (it's about two miles from our house). So there are many thoughts and emotions churning around in my head as I seek to write this review and I won't be able to do them justice in the five minutes I have. Maybe later.

But just to say this: Averich's book is incredibly detailed, leaves nothing out, and is immensely readable.

My opinion of the martyrs is that they were nigh-saints who possibly talked up violence a tad too much. Their trial was one of the greatest shams in legal history, their conduct during the trial spotless as they were condemned by the very worst of men merely for expressing opinions regarding the rights of workers and the justified use of violence (which they themselves didn't partake of).

The best condemned by the worst. An incredible story of epic proportions.

I wish their story was more generally known.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well detailed account of the Haymarket affair, the political environment of the time leading up to it, and its aftermath. Enjoyed but at times it could be a little too granular in detail (for example, the pages dedicated to who visited those jailed).

[Aonarán · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want an insanely thorough look at the Haymarket affair, this is the book for you. I think I would have liked it more if it hadn't been so detailed, but part of me appreciates all the little facts being crammed in one book.

I was however disappointed in two things. 1) The way Avrich plays into some of the anarchists' defense of "we're innocent victims," and 2) the way Avrich referes to a lot of the female anarchists. I'm usually able to acknowledge subtle mysogany in some writers, and move on and getting at their other ideas. But it was just so repetitive the way Avrich would almost always refere to Albert Parsons "and his wife" over and over again, while Albert Parsons wife, Lucy Parsons, is in my opinion, a much more inspiring person than Albert. William Holmes overshadows his sister Lizzie - I suppose just the usual prioritization of some women to their perceived male counterparts. The victimization of the anarchists was also dissapointing after reading Sacco and Vanzetti: The Anarchist Background - a book written after The Haymarket Tragedy and one that does a superb job of debunking the myth of Sacco and Vanzetti being "innocent victims."

I overall did like this book very much, I think I just have unfair standards for Avrich.

4.1

[River · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best general history of the Haymarket events. Avrich does an excellent job putting the events into the context of a militant anarchist movement that existed in Chicago and nationally in the 1880s. Unlike some other historians, he doesn't sanitize the anarchists' views to make them seem innocent, nor does he portray them as crazed revolutionaries. He also takes a very nuanced approach to the events and the people involved, showing the differences in views that existed within the anarchist movement and even within the Haymarket martyrs themselves.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some times I sell a book after I'm finished, but not this one. It's amazing. The writing is great, everything is backed with facts, and while the author admires the anarchists he is not biased. If you love history, which I do, you will love this book.

[Patrick Muldowney · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, sympathetic treatment of the Haymarket affair, but it was difficult to finish. I'm glad I did, because it was a worthwhile read, but there were times where it dragged on and I found it hard to get through.

[Sam Seidman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and interesting historical account of the Anarchist movement in America leading up to the Haymarket Tragedy. And great biographical accounts of its main participants.

[RYD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Haymarket trial has to rank as one of the great injustices of the American court system. What is really disappointing is not that it was possible, but that apparently much of the public agreed with punishing people for advocating for an unpopular cause.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

puts the Haymarket events in perspective...

[Craig Bolton]

The Haymarket tragedy by Paul Avrich (1984)

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Avrich always wins in my book and this book is no different. If you enjoy radical history and want to learn more about the personal lives of those killed in Haymarket, this is the book.