The Weight of the Printed Word: Text, Context and Militancy in Operaismo

Steve Wright's book "The Weight of the Printed Word" explores how Italian workerists used printed materials to organize and engage with mass rebellion in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting the significance of print in political engagement and the challenges posed by communication technologies and emerging social subjects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 584 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Haymarket Books

In his insightful book, "The Weight of the Printed Word," Steve Wright delves into the profound significance of documents as a vital component of the activities of Italian workerists during the vibrant 1960s and 1970s. Spanning from leaflets and newspapers to books, internal documents, and workers' inquiries, the operaisti, or militant workers, employed an extensive range of printed materials to rally and organize the emerging subjectivities of mass rebellion.

Wright's meticulous exploration reveals that the practice of working with print was an integral part of what it meant to be a workerist or autonomist militant during these transformative years. It sheds light on the profound meaning of political engagement and the complexities inherent in the use of communication technologies, as well as the challenges posed by the emergence of new social subjects.

Through a meticulous examination of a wide array of printed materials, Wright paints a vivid picture of the strategies and tactics employed by the operaisti. From the distribution of leaflets and newspapers to the production of books and internal documents, these activists used print as a powerful tool to disseminate their messages, mobilize support, and forge connections with a broader audience.

Moreover, Wright's book offers valuable insights into the broader cultural and social context in which the operaisti operated. He explores the role of print in shaping public discourse, influencing public opinion, and facilitating the spread of ideas and ideologies. By examining the ways in which the operaisti used print to challenge dominant power structures and promote social change, Wright provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between politics, technology, and society during this period.

In conclusion, "The Weight of the Printed Word" is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the profound impact of documents on the activities of Italian workerists during the 1960s and 1970s. Through a meticulous exploration of print's role in shaping political engagement, communication, and social change, Steve Wright offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and the potential for future activism and social movements.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642597806