Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice

Summary

“The publication of Rudolf Rocker’s Anarcho-Syndicalism is an event of much importance for people who are concerned with problems of liberty and justice. Rocker expresses throughout his faith in the capacity of ordinary people to construct for themselves a world suited to their inner needs, to create and participate in an advancing culture of liberation in free communities, to discover through their own thought and engagement the institutional arrangements that can best satisfy their deeply rooted striving for freedom, justice, compassion and solidarity, at a particular historical moment. This vision remains as inspiring as when it was written a half century ago, and no less valid as a stimulus to our thinking and our constructive action.” —Noam Chomsky

“[Rocker’s] exposition of anarcho-syndicalism at the peak of its influence is both a precious document of its time and a valuable reminder in our time of the continuing importance of an essential element in the complex ideology of anarchism.” —Nicolas Walter

In 1937, at the behest of Emma Goldman, Rudolf Rocker (1873–1958) 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, he 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 (internationalism, federalism, anti-militarism, direct action, sabotage, and the General Strike). A prolific writer and speaker, Rocker was one of the most beloved and dedicated anarchists of his time. His other works include Nationalism and Culture, The Tragedy of Spain, Anarchism & Anarcho-Syndicalism and The London Years.

This new AK edition includes an introduction from Noam Chomsky and a lengthy historical and biographical preface from Nicolas Walter. Translated by Ray E. Chase.