Demanding the Impossible: A History of Anarchism by Peter Marshall

"[This is] the book I always recommend when asked—as I often am—for something on the history and ideas of anarchism."  —Noam Chomsky

Lively and authoritative, this study of a widely misunderstood subject skillfully navigates the rough waters of anarchistic concepts—from Taoism to Situationism, ranters to punk rockers, individualists to communists, and anarcho-syndicalists to anarcha-feminists. Exploring key anarchist ideas of society and the state, freedom and equality, authority and power, the record investigates the successes and failures of anarchist movements throughout the world. Presenting a balanced and critical survey, the detailed document covers not only classic anarchist thinkers—such as Godwin, Proudhon, Bakunin, Kropotkin, Reclus, and Emma Goldman—but also other libertarian figures, such as Nietzsche, Camus, Gandhi, Foucault, and Chomsky. Essential reading for anyone wishing to understand what anarchists stand for and what they have achieved, this fascinating account also includes an epilogue that examines the most recent developments, including postanarchism and anarcho-primitivism as well as the anarchist contributions to the peace, green, and global justice movements of the 21st century.

The goal of an egalitarian, communal society has always united Marxists and leftist socialists, some of the latter (often if not always described as anarchists) refusing any truck with centralized power At various times, such ideas have found relatively wide appeal, and this era is one—expressed for instance in the antiglobalization movement's emphases on local control and direct democracy—making Marshall's comprehensive treatment a timely read. Newly revised and updated, this indispensable history of social libertarian thought now reaches into the 21st century—touching upon themes echoed in other recent titles, including Raj Patel's The Value of Nothing. Marshall casts a wide net, gathering all traces of antiauthoritarian socialist thought in works from Lao Tzu through Noam Chomsky, social ecology, and the Zapatistas. Readers will be repeatedly rewarded by Marshall's judiciousness and close readings of both the great names in anarchist history—Proudhon, Kropotkin, and Tolstoy—and less expected contributors—Rousseau, Swift, and Burke. Blowing away cobwebs of misunderstanding and misrepresentation, this is a stimulating portrait of a highly varied but distinctive political ideal, tradition, and practice arising from the enduring human impulse to be free. (June)
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Peter Marshall is a philosopher, a historian, a poet, and the author of 15 books, including Nature's Web: Rethinking Our Place on Earth.

Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice (Working Classics) by Rudolf Rocker

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.