Description: The Anarchists by James Joll is an informative and infitely interesting book which deals with the origins and the history of the Anarchist (anti)political movements in europe and briefly in the U.S. Joll comes forth as an objective reporter on this very misunderstood ideology. At times he is critical of the movementbut does paint a fairly unbiased picture. Joll explores the variety of ideals and schools of thought which characteized the anarchist movements of the past. Joll's book would be a good read for anyone who thinks that the term anarchy refers merely to chaos or that it is an invention of the youth to scare their parents. In light of the protests which abounded in 2000 it is a great read for anyone with political curiosity or concern.
Customer Reviews
Review Summary: a dismissive but serviceable introduction
Date: 2005-05-13
Details: This book is a useful departure point for further study. Joll presents a brisk overview of the high points and major figures in anarchism from 1850 through the Spanish Civil War of the late 1930s, carefully tracing communitarian, insurrectionary, and individualist strains in the movement.
But while paying lip service to anarchist ideals, Joll is dismissive of the possibility of putting them into practice, and so offers few lessons to be learned from historical efforts.
Review Summary: Revolution happens in the mind
Date: 2001-01-10
Details: The Anarchists by James Joll is an informative and infitely interesting book which deals with the origins and the history of the Anarchist (anti)political movements in europe and briefly in the U.S. Joll comes forth as an objective reporter on this very misunderstood ideology. At times he is critical of the movementbut does paint a fairly unbiased picture. Joll explores the variety of ideals and schools of thought which characteized the anarchist movements of the past. Joll's book would be a good read for anyone who thinks that the term anarchy refers merely to chaos or that it is an invention of the youth to scare their parents. In light of the protests which abounded in 2000 it is a great read for anyone with political curiosity or concern.
out of 2 Reviews
