Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice (Working Classics)

This is my second foray into the world of anarcho syndixalist literature and it is a must- read for anyone who thinks they have a clue about the evils of socialism. Everything we've been told, yet again, is a lie. Read this book and start yourself on the path of learning the history of the labor movement. These modern day unions ain't it, man. They are absolutely necessary but they have long since been corrupted. There is a better way and there is a reason we're being constantly lied to about that way. The only bad thing about any of this is how poorly this literature was transcribed for Kindle.

I wasn’t quite sure what anarcho-syndicalism is, but after reading this I now do. Doesn’t align with my political or economic views, but I could definitely relate and understand why something like this exists. A good read for an economics or history nerd.

Evolved my knowledge of the Labor Movement, it's genesis, and worldwide influence and development. The ideas proposed made me more tolerant of Anarchist philosophy, having espoused general socialist ideology in my own writing, while being a new member of the CPUSA.

Anarchism isn't simply bomb-throwing brutes - it is more properly called Libertarian Socialism. Its premises are cooperation, mutual assistance and freedom from force and authority. Rocker does a fairly comprehensive job of explaining what is involved. I think it is impossibly utopian, but a lot of people don't, judging from the demonstrators one sees these days. We are not accustomed to condemnation of republican democracy - but it too is a form of domination, the majority over the minority and frequently the rich over the poor. The saving grace of a constitutional form of government is that, by choosing to live under one, citizens delegate certain decision-making rights to their representatives, and those representatives are supposed to honorably represent them in government. This book is fairly short and clearly written - a good read to learn what freedom could be and what seriously interferes with freedom.

How can a society progress to a level of legitimate egalitarian communization without the creation of a hierarchical structure of leadership or vanguard? For anarchists, the answer often lies in anarcho-communism or anarcho-syndaclism. This text by Rudolph Rocker, is perhaps the definitive work on the latter theory. Anarcho-syndaclism eliminates the apparatus of the state as a means to socialism, whereas classical Marxist theory insists that the state will wither away once the proletarian has seized control of the means of production. Anarcho-syndaclism values the use of direct action as a means to control the forces of production, and the utility of unions and defederated workers councils as the proper structures for social planning. Rocker points to the syndaclists of the Spanish Revolution as the primary example of the theory in action, though there seem to be few cases in history of such socialization without centralized planning. Perhaps this mode of revolution is more legitimate and effective than classical Marxism or Marxist-Leninism, though I suspect that anarchism will always suffer from the fact of its inefficiency and inability to mobilize populations democratically. Nevertheless, Rocker's analysis and background history (aside from several cavalier uses of `human nature) is provocative alternative to state capitalism and state socialism.

Some great quotes. Needs a lot more theory though and less about the movement at the time. Book is riddled with typos.

amazing book. concise yet comprehensive, rocker clearly and cleanly describes the history and background of anarcho-syndicalism and its methodology of action. would definitely recommend to any socialist who's interested in anarchism, and i imagine it'd be an interesting read for someone further right, too.

It's siren call heard in underground poems and songs, printed by illegal presses and flyers found on grimy work floors. It is what is scribbled on walls by vandals, disappearing in the night.It is the chant of equality, the banner of the people, the Red call of Syndicalism: Down with the Kaiser; Break the chains!

Very interesting. Anarchist "saint".

Classic Anarchist theory in a well written style

In the press and in everyday conversation, the word 'anarchy' is still largely used to mean chaos, violence, vandalism, the end of civilisation. Look around you: the real vandals are big corporations burning up the planet, and shouldn't those eight men who own more than the poorest half (yes, half) of the world's population be considered violent offenders, simply for not doing much, much more to end hunger and deprivation? "Yes," you may say, "but that's human nature, and people aren't nice, and when people tried to organise society to reflect ideals of fairness and justice, the Gulag was the result." Anarchists lack both the naive trust in their fellow human beings that starry-eyed liberals unfailingly display and the arrogance of the social-democrat, showing down justice and fairness on 'the people' from on high. Anarchists don't trust anyone with power, not corporate overlords, not socialist leaders, not even themselves. "So how do these anarchist think society can be organised?" Read the book!

"Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice" allows for empowerment of modern populace; it is written for the proletariat. I can say blatantly that I would never have heard of this work, if not for reading Chomsky's "On Anarchism"; Rudolf Rocker is in his citations. "Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice" literally sticks to its title in terms of the content displayed in elaboration throughout all its chapters. Rocker is undoubtedly a very intelligent man, one whom presents his ideas with a cogent and succinct prose. Rocker's is an ability to summarize a very strong presentation of past and present anarchist thought, displaying in a colorful manner what we are missing in our lives and society. The substance of this work concerns the people of this planet, their need to support each-other in their struggle for freedom and amelioration; a noble topic. Additionally, I now understand Chomsky as a person to a higher degree, I see clearly Rockers inspiration living through him. Perhaps more importantly, my own mind is much more aware of the power contained inside of people, the working classes and their methods of popular struggle.An immediate gain may be ascertained in this short read (116 pages long), a significant contribution to the labor movement, society, philosophy and human organization in general. This exposition is a valuable insight into what may be possible for human kind, if we are to rise to our bench-marked potential as a species and achieve what should be possible. Rocker discusses many suppressed measurements in our lives and their forbearance on the development of intellectualism, education, culture, liberation and community. He reveals the struggle that we all have faced in our development and suffrage. I would present this book as a 'must read' perhaps more so than any other I have journeyed. Speaking in generalities, "Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice" shows us the divergence that is possible, equally if not more beneficial, efficient and desirable when compared, contrasted and juxtaposed to "market capitalism".This book is of prolific magnitude, please read it for the betterment of our culture, potentially more.

Great read. I recommend this book for anyone with an interest in anarchism and its history. A great companion to;That Holy Anarchist: Reflections on Christianity & Anarchism,The Kingdom of God is Within You