Bakunin: Statism and Anarchy (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought)
Average Rating: out of 2 Reviews
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
EAN (European Article Number): 9780521361828
Binding: Hardcover
Author: Michael Bakunin
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Dewey Decimal Number: 320.57
Publication Date: 1990-11-30
Reading Level: 293
Description: Statism and Anarchy is a complete English translation of the last work by the great Russian anarchist Michael Bakunin. It was written in 1873, in the aftermath of the rise of the German Empire and the clash between Bakunin and Karl Marx in the first International. Bakunin assesses the strength of a European state system dominated by Bismarck. Then, in the most remarkable part of the book, he assails the Marxist alternative, predicting that a "dictatorship of the proletariat" will in fact be a dictatorship over the proletariat, and will produce a new class of socialist rulers. Instead, he outlines his vision of an anarchist society and identifies the social forces he believes will achieve an ananarchist revolution. Statism and Anarchy had an immediate influence on the "to the people" movement of Russian populism, and Bakunin's ideas inspired other anarchist movements. This is the only complete and reliable rendition of Statism and Anarchy in English, and in a lucid introduction Marshall Shatz locates Bakunin in his immediate historical and intellectual context, and assesses the impact of his ideas on the wider development of European radical thought. A guide to further reading and a chronology of events are appended as aids to students encountering Bakunin's thought for the first time.
Customer Reviews
Review Summary: Inspiring
Date: 2002-01-03
Details: You who are viewing this page should congratulate yourself for being willing enough to explore what Anarchism is all about. I commend you once again but reward yourself by obtaining this book. Any of Bakunin's writings are well worth it, it is a travesty that Anarchism has been dismissed awaken yourself to the possiblity and don't be afraid to ask why not.
Review Summary: Elegant writing on an often misunderstood subject
Date: 1998-10-02
Details: Michael Bakunin was born landed Russian nobility but he gave all that up to fight for a more just social order. This book is a fascinating read for any student of Politcal Science or Sociology. As Marx's arch rival at the International Working Man's Association Bakunin believed that revolution would come from the rabble of society not the well organized industrual workers as Marx beleived. This book takes you to exile in Siberia to the politically charged streets of Paris. One of the best books I have ever read.
out of 2 Reviews
