Are you looking for the Best Books On Anarchism? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Books On Anarchism can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Electronic Arts, Games Workshop, LEGO, Lion Brand, Nintendo, Penguin Random House, Amazon.com. We have done a lot of research to find the Top 20 Best Books On Anarchism available.
The average cost is $23.14. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $2.99 to a high of $128.00.
Based on the research we did, we think Demanding the Impossible: A History of Anarchism [Book] is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Books On Anarchism (19 Sellers)
1. Demanding The Impossible: A History Of Anarchism [Book]

Product Details:
Navigating the broad "river of anarchy," from taoism to situationism, from ranters to punk rockers, from individualists to communists, from anarcho-syndicalists to anarcha-feminists, demanding the impossible is an authoritative and lively study of a widely misunderstood subject. it explores the key anarchist concepts of society and the state, freedom and equality, authority and power, and investigates the successes and failure of the anarchist movements throughout the world. while remaining sympathetic to anarchism, it presents a balanced and critical account. it covers not only the 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. no other book on anarchism covers so much so incisively. in this updated edition, a new epilogue examines the most recent developments, including "post-anarchism" and "anarcho-primitivism" as well as the anarchist contribution to the peace, green and global justice movements. demanding the impossible is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand what anarchists stand for and what they have achieved. it will also appeal to those who want to discover how anarchism offers an inspiring and original body of ideas and practices which is more relevant than ever in the twenty-first century.
Specifications:
Large Print |
Yes |
Language |
English |
Release Date |
February 2011 |
Length |
264 Pages |
Dimensions |
0.6" x 8.5" |
2. Accidental Death Of An Anarchist [Book]

Product Details:
'the quality that makes fo uniquely powerful … [is] the ability to wring wild laughter out of insidious corruption' guardian'simon nye's witty translation updates and relocates the play … suitably close to contemporary england. fo is that rare thing, a far-left playwright with a popular, comic touch. and his stinging attack upon the black arts of government cover-up, manipulation and mendacity could not be more timely' evening standardin its first two years of production, dario fo's controversial farce, accidental death of an anarchist, was seen by over half a million people. it has since been performed all over the world and is widely recognised as a classic of modern drama. a sharp and hilarious satire on political corruption, it concerns the case of an anarchist railway worker who, in 1969, 'fell' to his death from a police headquarters window.this version of the play was premiered at the donmar warehouse, london, in february 2003.
Reviews:
Accidental Death of an Anarchist is a hilarious play, full of great verbal humour and farcical elements. But it is also a deeply biting, scathing attack on authority and bureacracy, and governmental cover ups in particular. The comedy is very funny but also very black. This translation is very good (England-ising some of the references), and the commentary at the start os very informative about the creation of the play and the true event that inspired it.
3. Anarchism: A Documentary History Of Libertarian Ideas, Volume One
Product Details:
A comprehensieve and far ranging collection of anarchist writings from the feudal era to 1939. this incomparable volume includes the definitive texts from the anarchist tradition of political thuoght. it deals with the anarchist critiques of the authoritarian theories and practices confronting them.
Specifications:
Imprint |
Black Rose Books |
Pub date |
26 Jul 2005 |
DEWEY edition |
22 |
Language |
English |
Spine width |
29mm |
Reviews:
This volume on anarchism from Black Rose Press, collecting together numerous pieces from anarchists throughout history and across the globe, is a wonderful and comprehensive book. Going back as far as 300C.E. to China, it charts the rise and spread of anarchist ideas through a myriad number of primary documents from the main thinkers of anarchism. There appears the more prominent figures of Bakunin and Kropotkin, with the lesser known anarchists of Japan, such as Osugi Sakae, and other Asian countries. A great achievement, demonstrating the global impact of anarchism, and the degree to which it remains a living tradition of radical action and thought.
4. Anarchy, State, And Utopia [Book]

Product Details:
The foundational text of libertarian thought, named one of the 100 most influential books since world war ii (times literary supplement)first published in response to john rawls' a theory of justice, robert nozick's anarchy, state, and utopia has become a defining text of classic libertarian thought. challenging and ultimately rejecting liberal, socialist, and conservative agendas, nozick boldly asserts that the rights of individuals are violated as a state's responsibilities increase — and that the only way to avoid these violations is the creation of a minimalist state limited to the enforcement of contracts and to protection against force, fraud, and theft.winner of the national book award and translated into over one hundred languages, anarchy, state and utopia remains one of the most theoretically trenchant and philosophically rich defenses of economic liberalism to date. with an introduction by philosopher thomas nagel, this edition brings nozick and his work to today's generation of readers.
Reviews:
Bought as a present for my Son and he loves it.emeeco
Classic book by a brilliant mind.debbieawilson
5. The Black Flag: Peter Kropotkin On Anarchism [Book]
Product Details:
A collection of writings from peter kropotkin, the leading theorist on anarchism. contains "revolutionary government", "anarchist communism; its basis and principles", "anarchist morality" and "anarchism; its philosophy and ideal".
Specifications:
Language |
English |
Release Date |
December 2008 |
Length |
124 Pages |
Dimensions |
0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0" |
6. The Abc Of Anarchism [Book]

Product Details:
A gifted writer for the anarchist movement, alexander berkman left russia for the united states in 1888 when he was eighteen. thirty-one years later, after serving a prison term for an attempted assassination, he was expelled to the soviet union, a country which he eventually renounced. but before his repudiation of the soviet system, berkman attempted to answer some of the charges made against anarchism and to present its case clearly and intelligently. this book, first published in 1929, is the result of those efforts.thorough and well stated, the abc of anarchism is today widely regarded as a classic declaration of the movement's goals and methods. for those who have questions about anarchism, berkman provides lucid answers. in conversational tones, he discusses society as it existed in the early twentieth century; why in his opinion, anarchy was necessary; the myths surrounding it; and necessary preparations for its successful implementation. of the book, emma goldman said: people need a primer of anarchism–an abc, as it were, that would teach them the rudimentary principles of anarchism and whet their appetites for something more profound. [the book] was intended to serve this purpose. that it has fulfilled its purpose no one who has read [it] will deny.
Specifications:
Imprint |
Dover Publications |
Pub date |
25 Feb 2005 |
DEWEY edition |
22 |
Language |
English |
Spine width |
17mm |
7. Anarchy: (Aziloth Books) [Book]

Product Details:
Errico malatesta was an italian anarchist and writer (1853-1932), who lived much of his life in exile and was expelled or forced to flee from many of the countries he visited. he teamed up with other well known anarchists, like peter kropotkin and mikhail bakunin, to promote anarchist ideas and advocate revolution – activities that resulted in more than ten years in prison.anarchy was originally published in 1891 as a pamphlet. from the start, malatesta is at pains to clarify the true meaning of the term. it should on no account, he says, be associated with disorder and chaos. instead, it should be construed in its original greek sense to mean 'without a ruler' or "… without any constituted authority … or government." this short treatise outlines anarchy's tenets, among which are the abolition of private property, privilege and class and the formation of decentralized self-governing communities. in malatesta's view, people have too long been conditioned into believing they need authoritarian government which, time and again, ends up serving a privileged few rather than the many. he urges us to reassert our natural inclination for voluntary cooperation and the sharing of skills and resources.
Specifications:
Language |
English |
Release Date |
June 2017 |
Length |
44 Pages |
Dimensions |
9.0" x 0.1" x 6.0" |
Reviews:
Malatesta is an often neglected writer from the 20th century whose work should be more read. And this book especially.toytrainlover
8. Anarchism : From Theory To Practice By Daniel Guerin
Product Details:
Trade paperback. 1970. near fine. interior pristine. spine straight tight and uncreased. light foxing to edges. not from a library. no remainder mark. not clipped. xx 166 pages. translation of l'anarchisme de la doctrine a l'action first published in paris 1965.
Specifications:
Dimensions |
140 x 220 x 12.7mm | 272.16g |
Publication City/Country |
New York, United States |
Language |
English |
Edition Statement |
New edition |
Illustrations note |
black & white illustrations |
Reviews:
Anarchism: From Theory to Practice by Daniel Gurin is a very accessible and clearly set-out presentation of the fundamentals of anarchism. While not definitive in its presentation of anarchist thinkers, it does however provide a very distinct analysis of basic anarchist themes, such as the place of the individual and the basis of opposition to the State. The history section too is well done, focuding though more on the first fifty years on anarchism in the twentieth-century. For a general overview, Anarchism performs its task admirably.
9. Writings Of Emma Goldman: Essays On Anarchism, Feminism, Socialism, And Communism [Book]
Product Details:
A collection of essays by america's most prominent anarchist, feminist, and critic of both capitalism and communism, who was imprisoned and deported for opposing the first world war. includes "anarchy defended by anarchists", "the tragedy of women's emancipation", "anarchism: what it really stands for", "the psychology of political violence", "patriotism: a menace to liberty", "speech against conscription and war", "there is no communism in russia", and "the individual, society, and the state".
Specifications:
Language |
English |
Release Date |
March 2013 |
Length |
284 Pages |
Dimensions |
0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0" |
10. On Anarchism (Good Condition)
Product Details:
On anarchism is an essential introduction to the noam chomsky's political theory.on anarchism sheds a much needed light on the foundations of chomsky's thought, specifically his constant questioning of the legitimacy of entrenched power. the book gathers his essays and interviews to provide a short, accessible introduction to his distinctively optimistic brand of anarchism. refuting the notion of anarchism as a fixed idea, and disputing the traditional fault lines between anarchism and socialism, this is a book sure to challenge, provoke and inspire. profoundly relevant to our times, it is a touchstone for political activists and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of anarchism, or of chomsky's thought.
Specifications:
Dimensions |
110 x 180 x 10mm | 110g |
Publication City/Country |
Poland |
Language |
English |
11. Essays In Anarchism And Religion: Volume Ii [Book]

Product Details:
Anarchism and religion have historically had an uneasy relationship. indeed, representatives of both sides have regularly insisted on the fundamental incompatibility of anarchist and religious ideas and practices. yet, ever since the emergence of anarchism as an intellectual and political movement, a considerable number of religious anarchists have insisted that their religious tradition necessarily implies an anarchist political stance.reflecting both a rise of interest in anarchist ideas and activism on the one hand, and the revival of religious ideas and movements in the political sphere on the other, this multi-volume collection examines congruities and contestations between the two from a diverse range of academic perspectives.the second volume of essays in anarchism & religion includes essays covering themes such as yiddish radicalism, byzantine theology, first peter, william blake, the role of violence in anarchism and in christian anarchism, spanish anarchist-themed film, and the occult features of anarchism.in a world where political ideas increasingly matter once more, and religion is an increasingly visible aspect of global political life, these essays offer scholarly analysis of overlooked activists, ideas and movements, and as such reveal the possibility of a powerful critique of contemporary global society.
Specifications:
Language |
English |
Release Date |
September 2018 |
Length |
350 Pages |
Dimensions |
0.9" x 5.5" x 8.5" |
12. Accidental Death Of An Anarchist By Dario Fo

Product Details:
In its first two years of production, dario fo's notorious accidental death of an anarchist was seen by over a half a million people. it has since been performed all over the world, and become a classic. a sharp and hilarious satire on police corruption, it concerns the case of an anarchist railway worker who, in 1969 fell to his death from a police headquaters window. in its first two years of production in italy, dario fo's notorious accidental death of an anarchist was seen by over half a million people. it has since been performed all over the world, and become a classic of twentieth-century drama. a sharp and hilarious satire on police corruption, it concerns the case of an anarchist railway worker who, in 1969, 'fell' to his death from a police headquarters window. 'i ought to warn you that the author of this sick little play, dario fo, has the traditional, irrational hatred of the police common to all narrowminded left-wingers and so i shall, no doubt, be the unwilling butt of endless anti-authoritarian jibes.' (inspector bertozzo, central italian police hq)'a marvellous concept: a zany political farce.' (michael billington) this edition has been adapted by gavin richards from gillian hanna's translation and features an introduction by stuart hood and a preface by dario fo.
Specifications:
Dimensions |
129 x 198 x 6mm | 102g |
Imprint |
Methuen Drama |
Publication City/Country |
London, United Kingdom |
Language |
English |
Edition Statement |
New Edition – New Edition |
Illustrations note |
black & white illustrations |
Reviews:
Product is great. Story is clever and funny. It focuses on corruption within the Italian police force, but wraps it up in a comedic outer layer. Characters can be matched with stock characters of commedia dell'arte; they are clear and defined. The maniac is a great character and he'll make you laugh.olivipolerowic_0
Loved this, very funnylotslot
13. The Place Of Anarchism In Socialistic Evolution [Book]
Product Details:
An pamphlet by the famed anarchist philosopher peter kropotkin on the inevitability of socialism, and the place the anarchism has in the struggle for social justice. a classic in the library of radical literature.
Specifications:
Published |
United States, 18 September 2019 |
Writer |
Peter Kropotkin |
Dimensions |
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.3 centimeters (0.03 kg) |
14. Anarchism As Political Philosophy [Book]

Product Details:
Reports of people rejecting political authority, assaulting it with words and often violent acts, are actions that are part of modern life. anarchism has been considered a dead movement of the nineteenth and early twentieth century, but it assumed a renewed and substantial relevance in the late twentieth century. robert hoffman points out in his incisive introduction that anarchists have always been viewed either as foolish idealists or, at the other extreme, as serious threats to justice and social tranquility. but, the editor argues, most anarchists have been ordinary people who have shared a singular passion for what they believe to be a just society. to clarify widespread misconceptions about anarchism, this volume offers a lively debate on the subject, consisting of works by both advocates of anarchism and people who take it seriously but reject it. represented here, in the writings of pierre-joseph proudhon, leo tolstoy, george bernard shaw, bertrand russell, and others, are different types, styles, and periods of anarchist writing, reflecting a rich variety of thought arising from the anarchist perspective. the essays deal with many of the different strands of anarchists, including anarchist attacks on democracy, patriotism, and military conscription, and provide an outline of the movement's tumultuous history. against these are set pieces that argue anarchism's impossibility and estimate its relevance to social change. the debate format of anarchism introduces the reader to a fresh perspective and understanding of vital issues of political and social theory, and provokes him to examine his own thinking. looking at both sides of the controversy, this volume discourages unquestioning or over-confident opinions.
Reviews:
I have been fascinated by the philosophical anarchy for decades. This gives a great selection from the giants of the philosophical anarchism bent. Form your own views!The Slash
15. The Anarchist Cookbook [Book]

Product Details:
The anarchist cookbook will shock, it will disturb, it will provoke. it places in historical perspective an era when "turn on, burn down, blow up" are revolutionary slogans of the day. says the author" "this book… is not written for the members of fringe political groups, such as the weatherman, or the minutemen. those radical groups don't need this book. they already know everything that's in here. if the real people of america, the silent majority, are going to survive, they must educate themselves. that is the purpose of this book." in what the author considers a survival guide, there is explicit information on the uses and effects of drugs, ranging from pot to heroin to peanuts. there i detailed advice concerning electronics, sabotage, and surveillance, with data on everything from bugs to scramblers. there is a comprehensive chapter on natural, non-lethal, and lethal weapons, running the gamut from cattle prods to sub-machine guns to bows and arrows. the section on explosives and booby traps ranges from tnt to whistle traps. one hundred and eleven drawings supplement the recipes. "this book is for anarchists," says william powell, "those who feel able to discipline themselves on all the subjects from drugs, to weapons, to explosives) that are currently illegal in this country." techniques, disciplines, precautions, and warnings pervade what may be the most disquieting "how-to" book of contemporary times.
Specifications:
Formato |
Hardback | 162 páginas |
Dimensiones |
216 x 279 x 11mm | 671g |
Fecha de publicación |
14 Feb 2014 |
Idioma |
English |
Ranking en los libros más vendidos |
3.287 |
Reviews:
The anarchist cookbook is extremely entertaining while being just as informative. It ot only allows a glimpse into a particular way of thinking from then until now. The directions and drawings are very interesting. Whether you are reading for enjoyment, knowledge, or to help with survival as a prepper, it is a must have in my book collection and I would recommend this book to anyone. You can have a very unique read and enjoy a fascinating book. There are reasons That it has made money printing for all of these years. Buy it and enjoy and learnBrandon
Great book for on the tabletdada_4593
Fast delivery, good packagingFer
16. Christian Anarchism: A Political Commentary On The Gospel [Book]
Product Details:
Christian anarchism has been around for at least as long as "secular" anarchism. the existing literature cites leo tolstoy as its most famous (sometimes even as the only) proponent, but there are many others, such as jacques ellul, vernard eller, dave andrews or the people associated with the catholic worker movement. both individually and collectively, these christian anarchists offer a compelling critique of the state, the church and the economy based on numerous passages from the new testament. christian anarchism, the first generic study bringing together these different thinkers and reflecting on their contribution, is here made available in an abridged edition, thereby presenting christian anarchism to a wider public. — cover, p. 4.
17. Anarchism: A Beginner's Guide [Book]
Product Details:
Would you want a world without government? in this clear and penetrating study, ruth kinna goes directly to the heart of this controversial ideology, explaining the influences that have shaped anarchism and the different tactics and strategies that have been used by anarchists throughout history to achieve their ends. kinna covers themes both historical and acutely contemporary, including: could anarchy ever really be a viable alternative to the state? can anarchist ideals ever be consistent with the justification of violence? how has anarchism influenced the anti-globalization movement?
Specifications:
Dimensions |
129 x 198 x 19mm | 263g |
Publication City/Country |
London, United Kingdom |
Language |
English |
Edition Statement |
2nd Revised edition |
Illustrations note |
Illustrations |
Reviews:
It was a beautiful experiencetofuheart
18. Anarchism: A Beginner's Guide [Book]
Product Details:
Would you want a world without government? in this clear and penetrating study, ruth kinna goes directly to the heart of this controversial ideology, explaining the influences that have shaped anarchism and the different tactics and strategies that have been used by anarchists throughout history to achieve their ends. kinna covers themes both historical and acutely contemporary, including: could anarchy ever really be a viable alternative to the state? can anarchist ideals ever be consistent with the justification of violence? how has anarchism influenced the anti-globalization movement?
Specifications:
Dimensions |
129 x 198 x 19mm | 263g |
Publication City/Country |
London, United Kingdom |
Language |
English |
Edition Statement |
2nd Revised edition |
Illustrations note |
Illustrations |
Reviews:
It was a beautiful experiencetofuheart
19. Anarchism And Other Essays [Book]

Product Details:
In the 1890s and for years thereafter, america reverberated with the name of the "notorious anarchist," feminist, revolutionist, and agitator, emma goldberg. a russian jewish immigrant at the age of 17, she moved by her own efforts from seamstress in a clothing factory to internationally known radical lecturer, writer, editor, and friend of the oppressed. this book is a collection of her remarkably penetrating essays, far in advance of their time, originally published by the mother earth press which she founded.in the first of these essays, anarchism: what it really stands for, she says, "direct action, having proven effective along economic lines, is equally potent in the environment of the individual." in minorities versus majorities she holds that social and economic well-being will result only through "the non-compromising determination of intelligent minorities, and not through the mass." other pieces deal with the hypocrisy of puritanism; prisons: a social crime and failure; the psychology of political violence; the drama: a powerful disseminator of radical thought; patriotism: a menace to liberty; and the tragedy of woman's emancipation.
Reviews:
All that most people know is that there's a longstanding war in heaven between capitalism and communism, and those in that know, know the principal names of all the philosophical angels leading that war: Karl Marx, Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes, so on and so forth. People also remember the political war, and the political angels: Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, those people — those who say that the only possible choice is between elitist-centralized government and mob majority rule. Virtually never are we presented with a Door Number Three option: the dark horse philosophy of the poorly-named "anarchism", and its leading evangelist, Emma Goldman. Goldman led a fascinating life and spent her years exploring philosophical options for how human beings might live. At one point exiled to Russia, where she got an up-close exposure to how communism really worked in practice, Goldman ultimately realized that, as Thomas Jefferson once quipped, "The best government is self-government", and that is the basis for anarchism, which might just as well (or actually better) termed something like "autonomism" or "individualism". At any rate, this is a good book, well worth reading.ronagon6
20. Anarchists Of The Caribbean: Countercultural Politics And Transnational Networks In The Age Of Us Expansion [Book]

Product Details:
Anarchists who supported the cuban war for independence in the 1890s launched a transnational network linking radical leftists from their revolutionary hub in havana, cuba to south florida, puerto rico, panama, the panama canal zone, and beyond. over three decades, anarchists migrated around the caribbean and back and forth to the us, printed fiction and poetry promoting their projects, transferred money and information across political borders for a variety of causes, and attacked (verbally and physically) the expansion of us imperialism in the 'american mediterranean'. in response, us security officials forged their own transnational anti-anarchist campaigns with officials across the caribbean. shaffer brings together research in anarchist politics, transnational networks, radical journalism and migration studies to illustrate how men and women throughout the caribbean basin and beyond sought to shape a counter-globalization initiative to challenge the emergence of modern capitalism and us foreign policy whilst rejecting nationalist projects and marxist state socialism.
Specifications:
Imprint |
Cambridge University Press |
Pub date |
14 May 2020 |
DEWEY edition |
23 |
Language |
English |
Spine width |
23mm |