In 1937, at the behest of Emma Goldman, Rocker penned this political and philosophical masterpiece as an introduction to the ideals fueling the Spanish social revolution and resistance to capitalism the world over. Within, Rocker offers an introduction to anarchist ideas, a history of the international workers' movement, and an outline of the strategies and tactics embraced at the time (direct action, sabotage and the general strike). New introduction by Mike Davis, with a Preface by Noam Chomsky.
"[Rocker's] approach is far from 'utopian'; this is not an abstract discourse but a call to action."-Noam Chomsky
Rudolf Rocker (1873-1958) was a leading figure in the international anarchist movement for over 60 years.
Rudolf Rocker is one of Anarchism's most cherished characters. Born in Germany, Rocker settled in Britain in 1895, learned to read and write in Yiddish and became a beloved member of the Jewish Anarchist movement until his death. As a proponent of the workers movement known as Anarcho-syndicalism, Rocker wrote for journals in German, Yiddish and English throughout the world. Noam Chomsky is one of the world's leading intellectuals, father of modern linguistics, outspoken media and foreign policy critic and tireless activist. A former meatcutter and long-distance truck driver, Mike Davis teaches urban theory and was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship. He is the author Buda's Wagon: A Brief History of the Car Bomb and City of Quartz. He lives in San Diego. Nicolas Walter was a journalist, lifelong anarchist and tireless activist against militarism and nuclear weapons. He lived in Britain.
