Chicago Seven

by Abbie Hoffman, Timothy Leary, Norman Mailer

Part conspiracy trial, part political theater, the trial of seven activists who disrupted the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago, was an iconic event of the 1960's. Here, from trial transcripts, are the testimony of Abbie Hoffman, Rennie Davis, Bobby Seale, and others.

Genres: History

kindle

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

Abbott Howard "Abbie" Hoffman was a social and political activist in the United States who co-founded the Youth International Party ("Yippies"). Later he became a fugitive from the law, who lived under an alias following a conviction for dealing cocaine.

Hoffman was arrested and tried for conspiracy and inciting to riot as a result of his role in protests that led to violent confrontations with police during the 1968 Democratic National Convention, along with Jerry Rubin, David Dellinger, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, John Froines, Lee Weiner and Bobby Seale. The group was known collectively as the "Chicago Eight"; when Seale's prosecution was separated from the others, they became known as the Chicago Seven.

Hoffman came to prominence in the 1960s, and continued practicing his activism in the 1970s, and has remained a symbol of the youth rebellion and radical activism of that era. In his 1980 autobiography, Soon to Be a Major Motion Picture, he described himself as an anarchist.

Reviews

[Ginta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have an interest in the 1960s so this book was a great read for me. The book is the actual transcript of the Chicago Seven trial. It is broken down by each of the defendants as well as the attorneys. I enjoyed it very much and learned a little bit more about the era. If you are interested in the 1960s or just want to read excerpts from the infamous trial, this is a good book for you.

[Karen Hannum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected more of a complete transcript of the entire trial including the testimony of the police officers, not just the "high lights". It was still good though.