Thinking as Anarchists: Selected Writings from Volont

This collection provides a new and accessible entry point into the rich and diverse world of anarchist thought,with newly translated and annotated papers from the 1984 international anarchist gathering in Venice. It offers a valuable resource for historians of anarchism and those who seek to theorize for a radically better world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Introduction:

In the year 1984, a historic gathering of anarchists took place in Venice, Italy, marking a momentous occasion in the history of the movement. This gathering, known as the International Anarchist Meeting in Venice, brought together thousands of anarchists from around the world, united by their shared belief in the pursuit of a society free from oppressive authority and hierarchy. The meeting was a platform for activists, scholars, and thinkers to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore the future of anarchist thought.

The collection of papers presented at this meeting offers a unique insight into the political and historical context of the anarchist movement at the time. These papers, originally published in the Italian anarchist journal Volont, have been newly translated and annotated for this publication, making them accessible to a broader audience for the first time. By introducing these papers in their political and historical context, this collection enables new readers to engage with them and gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of anarchist ideas and principles.

One of the key themes that emerged from the meeting was the relationship between anarchism and emergent forms of autonomous Marxism, the new anarchism, and poststructuralism. The papers in this collection explore the ways in which these intellectual currents influenced and intersected with anarchist thought, leading to the development of new perspectives and approaches to social change. The authors of these papers draw upon a wide range of sources, including classical anarchist texts, contemporary social theory, and historical analysis, to develop their arguments and shed light on the complexities of anarchist philosophy.

The International Anarchist Meeting in Venice was not only a gathering of ideas but also a celebration of anarchist aesthetics. The meeting featured a wealth of vibrant photographs and visual materials that captured the striking richness and creativity of anarchist aesthetics at the time. These photographs and visual materials provide a glimpse into the world of anarchist art, literature, and culture, showcasing the diversity and depth of anarchist thought and practice.

In conclusion, this collection of papers from the International Anarchist Meeting in Venice is an essential reading for historians of anarchism and for all those who theorize for a radically better world. By presenting the ideas and perspectives of anarchists from different generations and backgrounds, this collection offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the anarchist ideal. In our era of ecological catastrophe and resurgent fascism, it is more vital than ever that activists and academics see the importance of thinking as anarchists. The insights and ideas presented in these papers provide a roadmap for building a society that is based on freedom, equality, and mutual respect, and for creating a world that is free from the dominance of oppressive authority and hierarchy.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474483148