Michael Schmidt is not only a talented historian, he is also an activist whose spring
force commitment in tone and the central theses of the book. From the outset, this mapping
states that " anarchist tradition "is historically dated and geographically more
widespread than what is usually described. It also argues that anarchism is deeply
proletarian - sensitivity and ideology born at the same time as the industrial era - as
opposed to the almost immediate authoritarian Marxism and trade unionism it is almost
coextensive: both practice self- organization and offensive strategy. ---- For the author,
it is indeed not possible to separate the modern form of anarchism what it opposes -
capitalism. If the libertarian sense is prior to the industrial era (in philosophical
Taoism mound Chinese imperial centralism, radical materialism of the seventeenth and
eighteenth centuries, etc..) Should not be confused with the mass consciousness of the
nineteenth century in anarchism is a form of organization of the working class.
The specificity of the approach Michael Schmidt is also another repositioning geography.
Recall that the author is a South African, it is this view which allows him to put the
record straight. For revolutionary anarchism spreads from the original (mid nineteenth
century), Cuba, Russia, South America and Asia. Far from being just the West, it is also
written in the same way and with the same force, Chinese, Korean, languages ??in
sub-Saharan Africa.
Moreover, it is one of the most exciting aspects of the book, and inspiring: the
description by Mr. Schmidt depth and consistency of ideological anarchism, its roots, and
its internationalism native, this wind that spread throughout the world. Finally, we note
the intelligence of the historical account rather than chronology where ideas or
characters of anarchy, the author conducted five "waves" whose consistency is both events,
strategic and ideological. In doing so, he reassures us of the strength and vitality of
anarchism: evolutionary, it is still valid, and it is more than ever an answer to
capitalism, across time and across borders and cultures.
Cuervo (AL Northwest Suburbs)
Mapping of revolutionary anarchism of Michael Schmidt, ed Lux, 190 pages, 14 euros
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