Anarchism: From Theory to Practice

Customer Reviews:

An excellent overview for the already initiated........2007-01-28

This book is highly recommended for those who are already convinced of the value of anarchism and want to expand their understanding of anarchist history and theory.

Guerin packs a lot of learning into this slim (160 page) volume. His portrayals of the intellectual fathers of the movement-- Proudhon, Bakunin, Malatesta, et. al., are nuanced and eye-opening. He pulls choice quotes froma broad range of sources and make clear the theoretical principles of social anarchism as they developed out of the 1st International all the way up through the 1960s.

His brief descriptions of the high water marks of anarchist struggle in Spain and Russia are concise, lucid, and affirming.

For all the book's strengths, though, it is not the most exciting reading. Guerin packs a lot of crucial information in, but somehow the spirit of revolt and solidarity, the real poetry of anarchism, doesn't shine through the presentation. In short, this is not the best book to use to turn newbies on to anarchism. For young people new to anarchism, I would recommend Crimethinc's "Days of War, Nights of Love" and "Recipes for Disaster". For the more mature, pragmatically minded initiates, Colin Ward's "Anarchy in Action" is a good place to start. For the questioning Marxist, Bookchin's "Post-Scarcity Anarchism" is essential reading.

Instructive, stimulating, inspiring .......2005-10-18

A basic tenant of Libertarian socialism is that workers should directly control and design what their political representatives' implement and should directly control their workplaces, so as to maximize their own freedom. As Marx stressed in his early writings the will to work, to create, to mold nature to our intellects and creative powers, is part of human nature, our "species-being." When prevented from developing their "species-being" by having to sell themselves to wage slavery, struggling to feed themselves and being fettered by other drudgeries, human beings are degraded. They become dysfunctional and their powers of intellect and creativity are assaulted. They become dysfunctional, anti-social. This would become very rare in a libertarian socialist with maximum personal freedom. A community could lock away any person committing criminal acts in order that his constructive "species-being "could be recuperated. Or if the criminal didn't want to do that, a community could expel the criminal from their midst. People should have a choice, said Bakunin of choosing to live in any community they wanted. If any community in a libertarian socialist society dosen't appeal to them, they can go live in the mountains and forests with the beasts as Bakunin put it. People with alternative lifestyles like nudists could set up their own community and link themselves to regular communities as called for in a program of Spanish anarchists in 1936.

Anarchists in the 19th century, Guerin shows, were particularly cognizant of the dangers of authoritarian state socialism. Bakunin gave a particularly prescient prediction about it, though he unfairly described his rival Marx as an adherent of it. Authoritarian socialists like Lenin advocated a one party autocracy that would direct society until that autocracy determined that a society was fit for full libertarian socialism. Libertarian socialists have always recognized the possibility that capitalist institutions may need to be maintained, as society slowly transitions out of capitalist practices. But anarchists believe that direct political democracy should always exist during such periods even if capitalist practices still remain. During the two revolutions in Russia in 1917, the urban proletariat seized control of their workplaces as they had done back in 1905. In many instances workers had seized control of their workplaces after factory owners had fled or refused to comply with early Bolshevik decrees that factory managers share management with workers. Lenin was very uneasy about it but went along with it at first because of its popular support. Long before he achieved political power, Lenin had always written, even in his most libertarian work "State and Revolution" of the need for workers and peasants to be subordinated to an autocracy of "democratic centralism" By mid 1918, using the excuse of the civil war with the White armies and the invasions by the imperialist powers, the freedom of the Soviets were eliminated and they were forced to become docile instruments of Bolshevik policy. Anarchists who non-violently objected to the new policies were subject to savage repression. Because the Bolshevik leaders now delegated themselves all decision making power throughout their vast country, things got screwed up. The workers had to wait a very long time for approval so things didn't get done. The communication and transportation facilities that did exist in Russia at the time were in ruins. The workers were all quite willing to fight for the Bolsheviks in order to defend their self-management institutions. However, when the workers tried to run their factories on their own and coordinate with workers councils in other industries, the Bolsheviks forced them to stop. Guerin quotes Voline an example of this, workers at a St. Petersburg oil refinery who organized themselves to get their factory moving again but were stopped by the authorities. In early 1921, Alexandra Kollantay, urged the Bolshevik party to loosen restrictions on the freedom of workers noting the rising worker discontent, the cause of which was the stifling of that freedom. This contributed to Lenin's decision to officially ban all dissent in the Bolshevik party, which Trotsky later admitted set the party on a firm course towards totalitarianism. There were massive strikes in Petrograd and Moscow and workers and sailors in Kronstadt began to organize in solidarity. The Kronstadt activists demanded the restoration of the freedom of the Soviets and freedom of speech for anarchists and left socialists along with the Bolsheviks. They were against freedom of speech for more conservative socialists. They did not demand the removal of the Bolshevik party. War Commissar Trotsky sent a force that crushed the rebellion in barbaric fashion. Meanwhile in the Ukraine, workers and peasant soviets had been set up successfully under the leadership of an anarchist army led by Nestor Makhno. They drove out the armies of Germany and Austria-Hungary, then were much more successful against the White Armies than the Red Army. They were an intolerable threat to Bolshevik power so they were crushed. For instance in November 1920, negotiators from Makhno's army were sent to talk with the Bolsheviks but were arrested and shot by the CHEKA and the Makhnovist army units that had accompanied them were caught in a trap and disarmed.

Anarchism had a firm foothold in Spain, Guerin points out.. So when a left wing government was elected in Spain in February 1936 and Francisco Franco launched his first counterrevolutionary revolt, the workers and peasants stopped it by seizing control of their factories and their land and set up worker's and peasant's councils. The left wing government included some anarchists but was dominated by non-anarchist socialists. This Spanish government was forced by the hostile "neutrality" of the Western powers and the aid given to Franco's forces after his successful rebellion of July 1936 by the Fascist powers to turn to Soviet Russia for support. The power of Stalinists in the government grew and they used it to destroy worker self-management institutions, which were fairly successful for a period according to Guerin.

The last part of the book includes ssome interesting and even prophetic observations about the USSR in the mid-60's and reports on worker self-management within totalitarian political frameworks as in Tito's Yugoslavia. The last chapter, a postscript to the 1970 edition, has Guerin indulging in some very overly hopeful exhortations on the possibilities of the insurrections of 1968 in his country, France.

Anarchism at it's best.......2004-04-20

This book is absolutly the best book I have read on the subject of Anarchism. I wasn't able to put it down, ripping through it in two days, and reading through it again! Guerin does a fabulous job outlining the history of Anarchist thought and thinkers. I would also recommend his 'No Gods, No Masters', for a great collection of Anarchist writings.

This book is perfect for those already interessted in the movement, as well as people just looking to learn a bit about it. Also perfect for all those young "Anarchists" who think anarchy is about blowing $#!7 up (far to many of my friends fall into this, hopefully I can pull them out of it....).

Best slim volume intro out there.......2002-06-29

I read this book in a day, and filled the margins with many, many notes, something I rarely do. Clearly, Gruien doesn't cover every aspect of Anarchism, but for a brief introduction to Proudhon, Bakhunin and Kropotkin, it is the best out there. And, our very own American Anarchist Noam Chomsky did the introduction, which is just as good as anything in the book (Hell, his intro is half the reason I bought the book). Plus, it is a very well bound book. The pages are sturdy, the print clear, and the size small yet durable, something you really don't find in many Political books... Very recommended.

A Brief History of Anarchism.......2002-04-17

Wonderful overview of the ideas and actions of anarchism. Includes commentary on the Russian Revolution, Spanish Revolution, the distinctions between libertarian and authoritarian socialism, and the words of such essential thinkers as Proudhon and Malatesta, to name only a few. Also includes a brief but enlightening introduction from Chomsky that serves to place anarchism and its historical development in a broader and historical context. All in all, a worthwhile and valuable contribution for those searching for information on this neglected (at least in the United States)component of political/philosophical discourse.

Average customer rating:

Leaves you wanting more...
Anarchy of Words
Reviving American Politics. (I am actually 21)
A nice introduction to anarchism
My favorite Noam Chomsky title of all times!!!

Chomsky On Anarchism
Noam Chomsky , and Barry Pateman
Manufacturer: AK Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1904859208

Book Description

We all know what Noam Chomsky is against. His scathing analysis of everything that's wrong with our society reaches more and more people every day. His brilliant critiques of-among other things-capitalism, imperialism, domestic repression and government propaganda have become mini-publishing industries unto themselves. But, in this flood of publishing and republishing, very little ever gets said about what exactly Chomsky stands for, his own personal politics, his vision of the future.

Not, that is, until Chomsky on Anarchism, a groundbreaking new book that shows a different side of this best-selling author: the anarchist principles that have guided him since he was a teenager. This collection of Chomsky's essays and inter-views includes numerous pieces that have never been published before, as well as rare material that first saw the light of day in hard-to-find pamphlets and anarchist periodicals. Taken together, they paint a fresh picture of Chomsky, showing his lifelong involvement with the anarchist community, his constant commitment to nonhierarchical models of political organization and his hopes for a future world without rulers.

For anyone who's been touched by Chomsky's trenchant analysis of our current situation, as well as anyone looking for an intelligent and coherent discussion of anarchism itself, Chomsky on Anarchism will be one of this season's most exciting and surprising reads.

Noam Chomsky is one of the world's leading intellectuals, the father of modern linguistics, an outspoken media and foreign policy critic and tireless activist. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Customer Reviews:

Leaves you wanting more..........2007-05-24

This book is a great introduction to both Noam Chomsky and anarchism, both in terms of its readability and its broad scope. Here one gets a taste of both anarchist theory and practice(alas, though, only a taste), as well as an examination of the celebrated peak of anarchism's influence on world history during the Spanish Civil War. This book is best in the hands of two types of readers: 1)the person already familiar with Chomsky who is interested in knowing what Chomsky stands for, and what has influenced his thinking; 2) the curious person who wants a lucid, brief introduction to the ideas of anarchism and not an esoteric, theoretical analysis.

I will say this though, for the person with a large apetite this book will not satiate it. Most of the book is transcripts of lectures or interviews Noam Chomsky has had over the years, and for me these for the most part left me disappointed with their lack of content, and rigor. However, the two major esays which are included "Objectivity and Liberal Scholarship" and "Containing the Threat of Democracy" are absolute gems, and in my view justify the purchase of this book alone. In conclusion I'll just say to not expect this book to suffice as your sole resource, neither for anarchism nor for Noam Chomsky.

Anarchy of Words.......2007-05-13

Very hard to read. The author does not communicate well on the written page. He could have pared this down and streamlined it so that it would be easier to read and understand his meaning. A good editor could chop off a good part and reword the rest to present the subject in an interesting and memorable way. Much too wordy. The plethora of unnecessary words and inefficient use of the written language obscures his meaning.

JHC

Reviving American Politics. (I am actually 21).......2006-12-09

Post-9/11 politics has thus far been an arena dominated by fear, hatred, and finger-pointing. Whether from liberal or conservative viewpoints, social analysts are quick to place blame, but never offer solutions. The social climate, created by the corporate media through newspapers, books, magazines, and television, has created a culture of fear, political apathy, and hopelessness, while the alternative view offered by opposing intellectuals has offered nothing but scathing analysis that would give just cause for even the proudest patriot to hang his head and wait solemnly for Armageddon. Although Noam Chomsky, probably the world's leading radical intellectual, has been prone himself to give out some much needed American wake-up calls of scolding analysis in his nearly 40 years of political writing, in Chomsky on Anarchism he offers something else: Hope: A reason for Americans to come out from underneath the covers and face their problems. In Chomsky on Anarchism, Chomsky chooses to step aside from the herd of negative media and instead of pointing fingers, places the power of American politics back into the hands of American citizens.
Chomsky on Anarchism is composed of 11 essays, book prefaces, and transcribed interviews from the last 40 or so years that share what Chomsky is truly about; A passion for true democracy. Now it would be pertinent, seeing as some Americans would like to believe that the United States is a democracy and the title of the book includes the word "anarchism," which most Americans would probably disassociate with democracy, to examine what exactly Chomsky believes constitutes a democracy. In an interview entitled The Relevance of Anarcho-syndicalism, Chomsky gets right to it: democracy starts from the ground up. This ideal which Chomsky believes an anarchist society is founded upon is in sharp contrast with our political system, where Chomsky finds the problem that the opposite is true, as all power resides in the top of a social structure with the federal government. Chomsky, citing New England's working class in the late 1800's, clearly defines his vision of democracy with the classic labor press quote, "They who work in the mills ought to own them."
Chomsky uses a variety of historical examples to shed light on the experiences of anarchism, providing alternative thought to the dilemmas of today's capitalist-driven America. Chomsky cites Bakunin, Rudolph Rocker, Daniel Guerin, and a variety of others in his attempt to distinguish what anarchism is and what is has done. Most notably in Notes on Anarchism, he refers to smaller communal living that prospered during the Spanish Revolution, the Israeli Kibbutzim and the Worker's Movement in Paris in 1871. Chomsky paraphrases Pellotier in defining the struggle of anarcho-syndicalists that, "Anarcho-syndicalists sought, even under capitalism, to create "free associations of free producers" that would engage in militant struggle to prepare to take over the organization of production on a democratic basis." Thus, Chomsky, citing examples throughout history, attempts to explode the deepest American belief that there is an alternative to free-market corporate capitalism; A democratic system in which the workers may rule themselves.
Chomsky, never short of social insight, discusses in Goals and Visions a realistic way to achieve democracy in our big-business dominated government. Chomsky shares that, although he has a vision of an anarchist society, the first step, strengthening the state, would be contradictory to his vision, but a necessary woe. Chomsky explains that when private industries hold power, we as citizens are unable to make decisions, whereas the State can actually be used as a democratic vehicle to make the choices we desire.
Chomsky states, in an interview entitled Anarchism, Marxism and Hope for the Future, what is probably the most worthwhile and fundamental belief to anarchism and the most powerful weapon for the restless masses, that "the burden of proof has to be placed on authority, and that it should be dismantled if that burden cannot be met." Many Americans feel helpless and believe that our government is meant to be in power and it is unchallengeable and untouchable, and that citizens need to accept things the way they are, but as Chomsky attests in Language and Freedom, governments are not a natural creation and do not need exist. Furthermore governments are not above citizens' control or disposal. This theory alone, because of its universal point, may be why few, if any, mainstream media outlets chose to review this book; they can't prove their own necessity for being besides their own commercial wallets.
Chomsky on Anarchism gives newfound power and hope to restless Americans who feel they have no choice but to adhere to the current political situation. Chomsky proves, through a rigorous intellectual workout of theory and anarchist history, that there are alternatives to corporate government and Americans have the ability to strive for them. Noam Chomsky proves his worth as a social analyst, rising above his peers and the corporate media to offer solutions and provide hopeful alternatives rather than selling fear and complacency. Chomsky on Anarchism is the resuscitator thrust for American politics that revives the masses, returning political power back to those who should rightfully have it: American citizens.

A nice introduction to anarchism.......2006-08-17

For those who think anarchism is about chaos and bomb-throwing, this series of essays and interviews by the noted professor from MIT will serve as an excellent introduction into an idea whose time must come again, if man and the planet are both to survive.

My favorite Noam Chomsky title of all times!!!.......2006-03-24

"Chomsky on Anarchism" is a wonderful introduction to Chomsky's anarchist ideals. Like all of Chomsky's writings, this collection of interviews and essays is insightful and deep, a clear anaylsis of the real, underlying problems in our world today, like US imperialism, corporate globalization, domestic repression and state propaganda. I especialy enjoyed his interview with Barry Pateman, associate editor of UC Berkeley's Emma Goldman Papers. Knowledge is power. So, put down The New York Times and delve into the prolific writings of the most important punk rocker around, Noam Chomsky!

Anarcho-Syndicalism (Libertarian Critique)

Average customer rating:

Sounds great
Insightful and Thought Provoking
Excellent Overview and History Lesson
Articulating a "Third Way"
an amazing intellectual and politcal statement

Anarcho-Syndicalism (Libertarian Critique)
Rudolf Rocker , Noam Chomsky , and Nicolas Walter
Manufacturer: Pluto Press (UK)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

History & Theory | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1853050776

Book Description

Rudolf RockerÃ¢Â€Â™s classic survey of anarcho-syndicalism was written during the Spanish Civil War to explain to the wider reading public the ideology which inspired the social revolution in Spain. It remains unsurpassed as a general introduction to anarchist thought and an authoritative account of the early history of international anarchism by one of the movementÃ¢Â€Â™s leading figures.

Customer Reviews:

Sounds great.......2006-02-28

Rocker writes lucidly and forcefully. He presents a clear alternative to political socialism, including Marxism. Anarcho-syndicalism seems well-grounded ethically and as if it would avoid the problems of concentrating power inherent in both capitalism and socialism.

But can it work? The biggest argument that it can seems to be CNT in Spain in the 1930's. As Rocker described it, they were highly effective and fully anarcho-syndicalist. They were defeated largely due to the involvement of powerful foreign powers. In the U.S. before World War I, the IWW (similar to the anarcho-syndicalists in Europe) grew in influence but were suppressed by the government.

Today in the U.S. the only sizable organized anarcho-syndicalist activity appears to a mucher smaller IWW. They continue to support unionization efforts and refrain from political activity.

If people can organize around trade unions, as Rocker describes and as the IWW does on a small scale, with sufficient involvement as to be able to run industries themselves, then anarcho-syndicalism as Rocker describes it seems wonderful. There would, however, many practical issues to work out. Rocker says that the CNT in Spain did that. However, if people prefer to be led, then anarcho-syndicalism won't work, as someone will undoubtedly step in to lead and, in doing so, enforce preferences for themselves.

For over 70 years, anarcho-syndicalism seems not to have been won over many people. Will conditions change so that people embrace it? Would educational efforts help revive it? Or has capitalism adapted and won? Is self-government just too much effort for most people? This work by Rocker seems about the best place to start in exploring such questions.

Insightful and Thought Provoking.......2004-06-19

This book was my introduction to anarchist principles and economics. I found it to be enlightening and inspiring. The Spanish were able to create an amazing society in Barcelona and many other villages and rural areas in the country. They created a federation of collectives which emphasized personal dignity and freedom and celebrated the community and solidarity. These values are in sharp contrast to the ones of our own rapacious state capatalism, which celebrates greed, selfishness, and the destruction of communal values. If you are looking for a better, brighter way to live that actually worked until it was destroyed by brute force, this is a book you should read.

Excellent Overview and History Lesson.......2003-08-25

This book is a classic. Rocker provides a concise but thorough history of the labor movement and how it has evolved into modern anarcho-sydicalism. He also delves into methods that may be used to implement an anarcho-syndicalist society in the modern world. It was written 60 years ago, but most of the content is still relevant today. If you're interested in the labor movement, socialism, anarchism, or any related topics, you won't regret picking up this book.

Articulating a "Third Way".......2002-06-29

Rocker's work is the finest marriage of classic political liberalism and economic equality. Rocker grounds the spirit and ideas of anarchism proposed by Bakunin in a concise social/political agenda. A far more lucid vision of a social order which is both economically socialist (or communist) and politically open, than any other theorist before or since.

Some may find it a bit dated. The sorts of labor organizations he refers to bear little resemblence to those found in contemporary societies. That is, not syndicalistic.

Still, I believe he is one of the most overlooked influences upon contemporary, Western, left-wing thought.

I also believe that the books first section 'Anarchism: Its Aims and Purposes' should be read by more social activists. It would help focus the often disparate voices of opposition, giving them a clearer vision of the road ahead and what needs to be done to travel upon it.

an amazing intellectual and politcal statement.......2000-06-01

"Anarcho-Syndicalism" provides readers with an engagiong account of an egalitarian political philosophy that has its roots in Enlightenment thought. Author Rudolph Rocker presents a systematic conception of the development of anarchist thought towards anarcho-syndicalism, writing that "anarchism is not a fixed, self-enclosed social system but rather a definite trend in the historic development of mankind, which, in contrast with the intellectual guardianship of all clerical and governmental institutions, strives for the free unhindered unfolding of all the individual and social forces in life. Even freedom is only a relative, not an absolute concept, since it tends constantly to become broader and to affect wider circles in more manifold ways. For the anarchist, freedom is not an abstract philosophical concept, but the vital concrete possibility for every human being to bring to full development all the powers, capacities, and talents with which nature has endowed him, and turn them to social account. The less this natural development of man is influenced by ecclesiastical or political guardianship, the more efficient and harmonious will human personality become, the more will it become the measure of the intellectual culture of the society in which it has grown." Rocker shows that there is value in studying "trend(s) in the historic development of mankind" that do not articulate a specific and detailed social theory. Although intellectuals and social commentators alike dismiss anarchism as utopian, formless, primitive, or otherwise incompatible with the realities of a complex society, Rocker states that at every stage of history our concern must be to dismantle those forms of authority and oppression that survive from an era when they might have been justified in terms of the need for security or survival or economic development, but that now contribute to -- rather than alleviate - material and cultural deficit. "Anarcho-Syndicalism" remains an amazing intellectual and politcal statement containing a message of egalitarian hope.

Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice (Working Classics, 2)

Average customer rating:

Good Overview

Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice (Working Classics, 2)
Rudolf Rocker
Manufacturer: AK Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Political | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

History & Theory | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1902593928

Book Description

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 (1873Ã¢Â€Â“1958) was a leading figure in the international anarchist movement for over 60 years.

Customer Reviews:

Good Overview.......2007-07-18

How can a society progress to a level of legitimate egalitarian communization without the creation of a hierarchical structure of leadership or vanguard? For anarchists, the answer often lies in anarcho-communism or anarcho-syndaclism. This text by Rudolph Rocker, is perhaps the definitive work on the latter theory. Anarcho-syndaclism eliminates the apparatus of the state as a means to socialism, whereas classical Marxist theory insists that the state will wither away once the proletarian has seized control of the means of production. Anarcho-syndaclism values the use of direct action as a means to control the forces of production, and the utility of unions and defederated workers councils as the proper structures for social planning. Rocker points to the syndaclists of the Spanish Revolution as the primary example of the theory in action, though there seem to be few cases in history of such socialization without centralized planning. Perhaps this mode of revolution is more legitimate and effective than classical Marxism or Marxist-Leninism, though I suspect that anarchism will always suffer from the fact of its inefficiency and inability to mobilize populations democratically. Nevertheless, Rocker's analysis and background history (aside from several cavalier uses of `human nature) is provocative alternative to state capitalism and state socialism.

Anarchism, Marxism and Hope for the Future

Average customer rating:

Anarchism, Marxism and Hope for the Future
Noam Chomsky
Manufacturer: ASF
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet
ASIN: B000LQDR62

Average customer rating:

Anarchism from Theory to Practice
Daniel & Noam Chomsky (intro.) Guerin
Manufacturer: Monthly Review Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000R7ZV32

The Chomsky Effect: A Radical Works Beyond the Ivory Tower

Average customer rating:

An interesting examination

The Chomsky Effect: A Radical Works Beyond the Ivory Tower
Robert F. Barsky
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Philosophers | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Political | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

"People are dangerous. If they're able to involve themselves in issues that matter, they may change the distribution of power, to the detriment of those who are rich and privileged."
--Noam Chomsky

Noam Chomsky has been praised by the likes of Bono and Hugo Chávez and attacked by the likes of Tom Wolfe and Alan Dershowitz. Groundbreaking linguist and outspoken political dissenter--voted "most important public intellectual in the world today" in a 2005 magazine poll--Chomsky inspires fanatical devotion and fierce vituperation. In The Chomsky Effect, Chomsky biographer Robert Barsky examines his subject's positions on a number of highly charged issues--Chomsky's signature issues, including Vietnam, Israel, East Timor, and his work in linguistics--that illustrate not only "the Chomsky effect" but also "the Chomsky approach."

Chomsky, writes Barsky, is an inspiration and a catalyst. Not just an analyst or advocate, he encourages people to become engaged--to be "dangerous" and challenge power and privilege. The actions and reactions of Chomsky supporters and detractors and the attending contentiousness can be thought of as "the Chomsky effect." Barsky discusses Chomsky's work in such areas as language studies, media, education, law, and politics, and identifies Chomsky's intellectual and political precursors. He charts anti-Chomsky sentiments as expressed from various standpoints, including contemporary Zionism, mainstream politics, and scholarly communities. He discusses Chomsky's popular appeal--his unlikely status as a punk and rock hero (Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is one of many rock and roll Chomskyites)--and offers in-depth analyses of the controversies surrounding Chomsky's roles in the "Faurisson Affair" and the "Pol Pot Affair." Finally, Barsky considers the role of the public intellectual in order to assess why Noam Chomsky has come to mean so much to so many--and what he may mean to generations to come.

Customer Reviews:

An interesting examination.......2007-09-29

According to this book Noam Chomsky is one of the most important, if not the most important, intellectual of modern times. This book seeks to examine the effect he has had on thought. It also seeks to examine his history, his causes and his beliefs and his ability to polarize thought through his passionate writing. It examines his stances on Vietnam and the Middle East.
This book is also a philosophical tour through the world of Chomsky, showing on whome he builds his foundations of thoughts, and on whome he relies for his dialectic of `freedom.' It examines his Marxism and his interest in anarchy, who his philosophical and political ancestors might be. An interesting exploration of Chomsky, but one that probably gives him more credit than he deserves. While he may be the `most important' thinker for a small, tiny, elite, minority of Americans and Europeans, and Hugo Chavez, he is ignored by most of the world as a rambling lunatic and extremist.

Seth J. Frantzman

Chomsky's Revolution: Cognitivism and Anarchism

Average customer rating:

Chomsky's Revolution: Cognitivism and Anarchism
Carlos P. Otero
Manufacturer: Blackwell Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

History & Theory | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0631156682

Average customer rating:

Notes on Anarchism
Noam Chomsky
Manufacturer: Discussion Bulletin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet
ASIN: B000MQM1B8

Average customer rating:

Notes on anarchism
Noam Chomsky
Manufacturer: Discussion Bulletin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006R5MFA

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books