Lyrical Individualism: Selected Writings on Henri Bergson and Anarchism

André Colomer was a prominent anarchist figure in the early twentieth century, known for his agitational writing and organizing. He developed a distinctive philosophical account of anarchist individualism, engaging with thinkers such as Henri Bergson, Max Stirner, and Friedrich Nietzsche. This book presents a selection of his crucial writings, showcasing his philosophical vision and political commentary on the 1910s and 1920s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 18 June 2024
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In the early 20th century, André Colomer emerged as a prominent figure within the anarchist movement. A multifaceted individual, he was a poet, philosopher, activist, and public speaker, deeply immersed in the political and artistic landscape of Paris during a period of profound political and cultural transformation. Amid the avant-garde eruptions of Cubism, futurism, and surrealism, as well as the fervent ferment of radical politics on both the left and right, Colomer emerged as the leading advocate of anarchism. Through his agitational writing and organizing, as well as his involvement in a sensational murder case, Colomer galvanized the Parisian public, while also developing a distinctive philosophical account of anarchist individualism. Tragically, Colomer's life ended in obscurity in Moscow, abandoned by his friends and comrades, and his legacy remains largely unknown in the English-speaking world today.
Lyrical Individualism offers a comprehensive collection of Colomer's essential writings, with a particular emphasis on anarchist theory and the philosophy of Henri Bergson. This book reveals the depth and richness of Colomer's philosophical work, particularly his innovative engagement with Bergson, Max Stirner, and Friedrich Nietzsche to forge a novel anarchist ideology. Colomer's writings not only provide valuable insights into interwar anarchism but also offer a distinctive philosophical vision that anticipates many of the theories and debates that continue to animate radical political movements today. Moreover, this book showcases Colomer's acerbic and pugnacious political commentary on the turbulent events of the 1910s and 1920s. As the first translation and publication of Colomer's work since his untimely death in 1931, Lyrical Individualism provides a platform for a broad range of readers to discover this vital thinker.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231215077