Anarcho-syndicalism

theory and practice

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Rudolf Rocker: Anarcho-syndicalism (1947, Modern Publishers)

202 pages

English language

Published Dec. 13, 1947 by Modern Publishers.

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4 stars (8 reviews)

13 editions

Review of 'Anarcho-Syndicalism' on 'GoodReads'

4 stars

I'd been meaning to read this for quite a while, and when I saw that Audible Anarchism had an audiobook version, I figured I'd start that way. I ended up tearing through it (with the occasional backtracking to ensure decent absorption/comprehension) and it was really enjoyable.

If you've read Homage to Catalonia, this is an even more interesting read, as Rocker was commenting on the situation in Spain as it unfolded. Of course, it's a bit sad to encounter Rocker's high hopes for the CNT-FAI fending off Franco's forces in hindsight.

In any case, it's the strongest piece of theory in support of anarchism I've yet come across. Unlike works I've read penned by Bakunin, Goldman, Parsons, etc, this relies less on firey ideological rhetoric, and grounds itself instead in a history of anarcho-syndicalist movements and orgaizations while focusing on the tendency's particularities within the socialist traditions of the 19th …

Review of 'Anarcho-Syndicalism' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

I'd been wanting to read something semi-modern on anarchy. This pretty well fit the bill. It's not a particularly interesting book though it clarified a notion I already sensed: that anarchists and Marxists have a lot in common. Both want workers to organize and revolt, with the goal of eliminating capitalism and the state. With such a vast and good goal in common, I would have thought I'd see anarchists and Marxists working together more often. (Though, then again, different flavors of Marxists won't work with each other, so...)