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The Basic Bakunin: Writings 1869-1871
The three years covered by this anthology represent the only time in Mikhail Bakunin’s life when he was able to concentrate on his work and sustain a consistent output of speeches and writings. Only one of these texts has appeared before in an unabridged English translation. All dating from the period of Bakunin’s propaganda on behalf of the First International, they thus belong to a period central to Bakunin’s anarchism and mark the height of his influence during his lifetime.
Robert M. Cutler’s introduction traces the development of selected themes in Bakunin’s pre-anarchist thought--beginning with his acquaintanceship with German idealist philosophy-- through his anarchist period. In this way it reconstructs Bakunin’s concept of the role of the International in the revolutionary movement and provides a new interpretation of his theory and practice of revolutionary organization. The chronology and annotated bibliography make this collection an ideal introduction to Bakunin and a useful reference work for specialists.
Robert M. Cutler’s introduction traces the development of selected themes in Bakunin’s pre-anarchist thought--beginning with his acquaintanceship with German idealist philosophy-- through his anarchist period. In this way it reconstructs Bakunin’s concept of the role of the International in the revolutionary movement and provides a new interpretation of his theory and practice of revolutionary organization. The chronology and annotated bibliography make this collection an ideal introduction to Bakunin and a useful reference work for specialists.
252 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
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About the author
Mikhail Bakunin
240 books541 followersRussian anarchist and political theorist Mikhail Aleksandrovich Bakunin, imprisoned and later exiled to Siberia for his considered revolutionary activities, escaped to London in 1861, opposed Communism of Karl Marx.
People often called Mikhail Alexandrovich Bakunin (Russian: Михаи́л Алекса́ндрович Баку́нин), a philosopher, the father of collectivism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail...
People often called Mikhail Alexandrovich Bakunin (Russian: Михаи́л Алекса́ндрович Баку́нин), a philosopher, the father of collectivism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 2, 2013
A collection of articles and speeches Bakunin wrote for the IWMA, essentially journalistic propaganda. It's tempting to compare him to his great rival Marx. I don't know if this is a typical style for Bakunin, and of course Marx wrote great journalism, but it's interesting how far these pages are from philosophy or political economy. They pertain to the struggle, and passion, will and organization are constant themes. There's no dry economic theory here.
A few topics are constantly circled around: the need to draw an uncompromising line against the bourgeoisie (spiritually dead since 1848) and all states; to root out all nationalism and patriotism in favor of international solidarity. Pretty basic stuff, or is it? Given the tendency to blind group loyalty we often see among radicals.
It's curious how much emphasis Bakunin puts on eliminating the right of inheritance as a means to equalizing conditions, abolishing classes and the "juridical family." There's also much attention to education and the need to destroy all current forms of schooling, as well as guard against all hierarchies based on the authority of knowledge - something we practically never encounter in Marx.
It seems it was hard to write as an educated European in the middle of the 19th century without falling prey to a certain amount of scientism, though, and fascination with Darwin. Some passages reek of a pretty crude naturalism and materialism, with the flip side being a sometimes naive humanism. Bakunin is best when telling us to throw ourselves into the fight with a spirit that is both animal and human, or perhaps neither.
A few topics are constantly circled around: the need to draw an uncompromising line against the bourgeoisie (spiritually dead since 1848) and all states; to root out all nationalism and patriotism in favor of international solidarity. Pretty basic stuff, or is it? Given the tendency to blind group loyalty we often see among radicals.
It's curious how much emphasis Bakunin puts on eliminating the right of inheritance as a means to equalizing conditions, abolishing classes and the "juridical family." There's also much attention to education and the need to destroy all current forms of schooling, as well as guard against all hierarchies based on the authority of knowledge - something we practically never encounter in Marx.
It seems it was hard to write as an educated European in the middle of the 19th century without falling prey to a certain amount of scientism, though, and fascination with Darwin. Some passages reek of a pretty crude naturalism and materialism, with the flip side being a sometimes naive humanism. Bakunin is best when telling us to throw ourselves into the fight with a spirit that is both animal and human, or perhaps neither.
July 15, 2017
While I very much appreciate what Bakunin has to say, the man's prose lacks something, or rather everything. Not that 19th century political philosophy is exactly known for being lively and readable, but this work is particularly dry, to the point where reading it is a chore. Still, fine enough ideas, once you wade through the painful prose.
April 10, 2020
A collection of Bakunin's writings, arranged thematically giving insight into his thinking. Worked for me as an introduction to the man, the recurring themes through the works highlighting the core pillars of his views. His arguments may not stand up to scrutiny or hindsight, but there's an intensity that you only get from a primary source.
February 28, 2024
A pretty good selection of Bakunin’s writings that were previously out of print in English translation
August 11, 2012
An interesting if not erratic collection of essays. These essays are most valuable for placing the development of Bakunin's thought in the context of the political struggles within the International Workingmen's Association.
June 29, 2017
Much of this is relevant, especially today. But the sad part is reading all the complete assurance that the end was just around the corner and socialism was certain to rise. To an extent, it has, but only partway, and capitalism is more poisonously powerful than ever.
September 21, 2019
Lo considero un muy buen libro porque no es fácil lo que hizo el autor: resumir el pensamiento del anarquista ruso Bakunin en una especie de textos introductorios para quienes desconocen su figura o la historia del anarquismo.
April 22, 2009
Who needs arguments when you've got verve?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews