Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory & Practice

In this book, the history, practice, and theory of the most popular (I think?) and long-lasting school of anarchism is laid-out. The hilarious grandstanding tone typical of a lot of radical leftist literature has a special charm to it. Other than that, I liked the critique on socialism and communism by somebody who clearly understood the systems. I didn't know communism had a concept called the "dictatorship of the proletariat" before reading this. What a horrifying idea that is.

I found this to be an interesting and worthwhile book even though I don't believe anarcho-syndicalism would have much of a chance of succeeding as an alternative to our present type of society. The goal of this doctrine is the eventual complete elimination of central government and the institution of groups of economic producers who would form cooperatives to provide the basic needs of all members of society. While this may be a worthy ideal, it seems to me to be based on a too idealistic and rational view of the capacity of humanity for mutual cooperation.

The most valuable things to me about the book were the summary of the labor movement and the intolerable working conditions which motivated it; and the author's assessment of all show more forms of central government as being tools of the ruling class to manipulate and exploit the masses.

While I would not endorse his solutions, I believe he has identified problems which need a counterbalance. A thought-provoking book. show less

This book has the first chapter of Rocker's 'London Years' attached as an appendix.