Anarcho-communist book suggestions

[Delta]

I'm about to increase size of my bookshelf with a book order and was wondering what anarchist books I should buy (either anarchism in general or anarcho-communist). I'm particularly interested in buying a book for my younger brother. He currently claims to be an anarchist when he's around me, but I know that he doesn't really understand what anarchism is about. In addition, he hasn't read a non-bourgeois history book before so he probably doesn't understand very deeply why change is needed. But I gave him Zinn's book for that.

So far, for my brother, I'm thinking
What is anarchism? by Berkman
I've never read this, and I know it's available online, but I think it is more likely that he'll read it if I buy him a paper copy. To those that have read it, is it a well-written introduction? I.e., can it both explain the ideas and instill a sense of emotion?

I'm also thinking about (for myself)
The Conquest of Bread
Any opinions here?

Thanks for the recommendations :)

[Fawkes]

Anarchism: From Theory to Practice by Daniel Guerin

[violencia.Proletariat]

So far, for my brother, I'm thinking
What is anarchism? by Berkman
I've never read this, and I know it's available online, but I think it is more likely that he'll read it if I buy him a paper copy. To those that have read it, is it a well-written introduction? I.e., can it both explain the ideas and instill a sense of emotion?

While I disagree with Berkman on a few issues, I think this is good first read material on anarchism. You just need to reinforce it with something more modern to show the theory is kicking.

If your looking for something that has ideas and emotion, get a book on the Spanish Civil War for him. There are a number of books about the Spanish collectives on akpress.


I'm also thinking about (for myself)
The Conquest of Bread

Good book but kind of boring. If your well versed in anarchist theory you might want to try something else out.

[Delta]

Originally posted by Freedom for [email protected] 27, 2006 04:42 pm
Anarchism: From Theory to Practice by Daniel Guerin
I've read that myself once, although it's probably been over a year. I'll have to take a look at a library copy to remember if I think it would be appropriate or not.


While I disagree with Berkman on a few issues, I think this is good first read material on anarchism. You just need to reinforce it with something more modern to show the theory is kicking.

If your looking for something that has ideas and emotion, get a book on the Spanish Civil War for him. There are a number of books about the Spanish collectives on akpress.

A book on the SCW might be good, but I don't know any off the top of my head that blend history and a basic introduction to anarchist thought (perhaps Guerin's book does, I know there is some SCW material in the end of that one). I've read a very large book by Beevor, but he's a more traditional historian and doesn't give the anarchists any particular focus. I've also got Bookchin's The Spanish Anarchists, but looking through it it seems to presuppose that the reader has some understanding of what's wrong with the capitalist system. I've also read Sam Dolgoff's The Anarchist Collectives, which does a good job of explaining how, but didn't spend any time explaining why.


Good book but kind of boring. If your well versed in anarchist theory you might want to try something else out

I glanced at it today in the library, and it did indeed look pretty dry. In addition, the words on each page where in HUGE font which was somewhat annoying.

[Delta]

Anyone have any feelings on Workers' Councils by Pannekoek or Post-Scarcity Anarchism by Bookchin?

Other suggestions for myself would also be greatly appreciated :D