Often people ask us, as collective members of AK Press, for recommendations of what to read. We are lucky enough to sit in a warehouse surrounded by stacks of amazing literature, as a result, we have become familiar with the vast collection of books on our shelves. And as you may have guessed, AK Press collective members tend to feel passionate about books and politics, we also tend to have strong opinions, that sometimes conflict (and sometimes do not). Below are recommendations from the current collective members at AK Press. What follows is a list of our favorite books, videos, pamphlets, and manifestos of all times; things, in our opinion, you just gotta read.
Ashley
Making A Killing by
Bob Torres
This is my favorite new book that's
come out in awhile- the book on animal rights and
anarchism that should have been written and published
years ago. Bob Torres (of Vegan Freak fame) takes on
the political economy of animal rights, the flaws in
the current movement, and why we as anarchists,
activists, and compassionate people need to adopt
veganism as one of our many steps toward the
liberation we're all working towards. Don't let the
term "political economy" scare you off, or think it's
going to be some sort of dry, Marxist text—the
writing is accessible and the arguments are relevant
and right-on.
Beyond Gallery Walls and Dead White Men by
Various
This is a
zine in which about 20 women from a wide variety of
backgrounds write about what anarcha-feminism means to
them. Topics include how the writers got involved with
anarchist-feminist thought, how it intersects with
other forms of ideology and activism, and how we can
all derive strength from each other's struggles.
A sort of contemporary (unrelated) extension of Quiet Rumors, put
together by two young women in zine form. Very
much worth supporting.
A Spoon For Every Bite/Una Cuchara Para Cada Bocado by
Joe Hayes and Rebecca Leer (Illustrator)
This is a bilingual (Spanish
and English) children's book in which a very
obnoxious, very rich person gets outsmarted and
embarrassed by his poor neighbors. What more could you
ask for? A fun read with a good lesson—definitely a
must for the soon-to-be-radicals in your life.
Across Three Decades Of Anarchism: A Brief History Of The Wooden Shoe Collective by
James G (editor)
A collective oral history of Wooden Shoe,
"one of the longest continuously running anarchist
projects in North America," told through a combination
of interviews and editorializing by one collective
member. This zine is an entertaining and inspiring read,
while remaining realistic in its portrayal of all the time
and energy that goes into maintaining as huge a project as an
infoshop.
The New Farm Vegetarian Cookbook by
Dorothy Bates and Louise Hagler
The best veg*n
cookbook ever, hands down. I own (and adore) a great
many vegan cookbooks, but this is the only one I
actually use. With an emphasis on whole foods, and
doing it yourself (think soymilk and tofu from
scratch), this book comes to us from what seems to be
a sort of magical 1970s hippy commune and is filled with, suitably,
touching and hilarious photos of (and drawings by)
said hippies. A treasure.
Lorna
Granny Made Me an Anarchist by
Stuart Christie
Without a doubt, this is my favourite book right now. Stuart tells harrowing tales of his youthful adventures, including traveling from Britain to Spain where he intended to play a part in the assassination of Spanish dictator, Franco; going to jail for said intent; and being on trial for allegedly being involved with the Angry Brigade. It's both a history lesson and a really hilarious, vividly told story. I can't recommend it enough.
Anarchism and Other Essays by
Emma Goldman
When I first read this book I was trying to learn more about different strains of feminism, and nothing I’d read really spoke to how I felt. A lot of feminist theory seemed to only be concerned with itself, and linking different struggles to the feminist one was not a priority at all. This book collects a great feminist’s thoughts on the suffragists, marriage, prison, patriotism, violence, culture, and of course, anarchism. It’s a great, great book.
Quiet Rumours: An Anarcha-Feminist Reader by
Dark Star Collective
A collection of past and contemporary feminist writing from around the world. It’s a great resource for people wanting to know more.
Vegan Vittles by
Joanne Stepeniak
This was prob the first vegan cookbook I bought, and it’s been well used and i guess, abused—the pages sticking together and disgusting. there are a lot of great, easy to follow recipes in here, and even 11 years into my veganism, there are recipes in here I still use. Let me just say “B”LTs. Actually…let me also say pastrami and onion dip. Mmmmm.
Some Recent Attacks: Essays Cultural and Political and Seven Stories CD by
James Kelman
AK Press has put out a book and a spoken word cd by James Kelman. He’s a Scottish writer, who won the booker prize a few years ago (10?), but before that “fame,” he’d been writing for years—novels with working class heros, political and great. I recommend reading any of his stuff you can get your hands on, and here are two things to get you started. One his political essays, and the other a cd of him reading his stories.
Craig
Matewan DVD by
John Sayles (Director)
A real history lesson. I won't spoil the ending, but the true events depicted here kicked off a full scale guerrilla war that ended only after 10,000 armed miners surrendered to the US Armed Forces in the Battle of Blair Mountain.
What is Anarchism? by
Alexander Berkman
The first, best, and still timely, explanation of Anarchism by one of the movement's most dedicated activists.
Going Underground: American Punk 1979–1992 by
George Hurchalla
A great "crowd shot" of the scene from a guy who experienced and found hardcore in places that most scenesters from NYC, LA, or DC never knew existed.
The Best Of Edward Abbey by
Edward Abbey
No substitute for reading Abbey's full novels, but a good starting point to his wide range of writings. All of which aim to expose and bury the industries, governments, and cultures that have been destroying the planet. And he is funny.
Starlight on the Rails: A Songbook by
Utah Phillips
The songs are good enough, but Utah's storytelling and recollections about them are really dynamite. More than a musical package, this is a long ride through American political and labor history seen from the hobo jungle.
Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance by
Leonard Zinn
If you have a bike, you need a maintenance book. Even if you don't like to work on it yourself, you need the factual ammunition/understanding for next time Joe/Jane Hipster at the bike shop tries to bullshit and overcharge you.
B.I.Y.: Brew It Yourself! by
Brew Not Bombs
There is no reason not to make (and enjoy) your own beer. Period.
Pacifism and Pathology in the American Left by
Ward Churchill
Both right and left wing activists have been going to lengths to discredit Churchill. This is why. Not for the liberal on your gift list.
All The Power: Revolution Without Illusions by
Mark Andersen
Many people complain about inequities and long for revolution. Mark has been doing something about it on a daily basis for decades, and has some valuable insight for both the active and armchair radicals.
Robert F. Williams: Self Respect, Self Defense, & Self Determination by
Robert F Williams
If you don't know who he was, pick it up. Then pick yourself up because this will floor you. If you do know about him, get it anyway because history is much stronger unfiltered.
Prolegomena: To A Study Of The Return Of The Repressed In History by
Clifford Harper (Editor)
Ignore the terrible title and cover, this book of quotes from the most fervent of anarchist revolutionaries is impressive.
Prom by
Amy Ray
Powerful, rocking, and touching all at once. Turn it up and blow the walls down.
Zach
Sacco and Vanzetti: The Anarchist Background by
Paul Avrich
Do yourself a favor and read each and every one of Paul Avrich's books, but start with Sacco and Vanzetti. Read the true story behind the celebrated martyrs—and appreciate them more than ever.
Provo: Amsterdam's Anarchist Revolt by
Richard Kempton
A quick, insightful read into the legendary Provos. A lengthier, more analytical study would be welcomed, but until that comes along we have this fine effort from Autonomedia to ponder.
The Blast: Complete Collection Of The Incendiary San Francisco Bi-Monthly Anarchist Newspaper by
Alexander Berkman
A treasure trove from the days of yore. The urgency of the writings is what draws me into The Blast. Berkman & co. make revolution a viable and irresistible reality.
Prolegomena: To A Study Of The Return Of The Repressed In History by
Clifford Harper
"Death to middle-class society and long live Anarchism!" August Vaillant, last words before being guillotined, February 5th 1894. This little gem has the rare ability to make you laugh while keeping your hatred sharp.
After The Deluge: A Novel of Post-Economic San Francisco by
Chris Carlsson
Chris is a fun thinker, read his novel for an insightful journey into a complex utopian future.
For Workers' Power by
Maurice Brinton
Workers' self-management is a cornerstone of any anti-capitalist strategy. Read all about it and more from a man who left the ranks of the leninist-derived left to champion libertarian socialism, and in turn help redefine anarchist commitments.
We, The Anarchists!: A Study Of The Iberian Anarchist by
Federation (FAI) 1927-1937
Stuart Christie
If you want an accurate slice of anarchist history by an incredibly important figure from our movement check out We the Anarchists!.
Beer
Beer Speaks, People Mumble
Jay
Outlaws of America: The Weather Underground and the Politics of Solidarity by
Dan Berger
One of the most comprehensive histories of the Weather Underground out
there. Berger does a good job of exploring the problematics of race, class,
and gender in the Underground.
My Mother Wears Combat Boots: A Parenting Guide for the Rest of Us by
Jessica Mills
I don't have any kids, but I keep giving it to friends who do. If you want
to know about the trials of the western, medicalized birth model or tips for
subverting gender coding for pre-schoolers, this is the book for you. It's
also just a great story about how a hip mom had a baby and still managed to
go to shows, do organizing work, and stay sane and connected to her community.
Vision on Fire: Emma Goldman on the Spanish Revolution by
Emma Goldman (David Porter, editor)
If you ever doubt the anarchist future, read a passage from this book (especially the chapter on collaboration with statist forces). The passion and conviction with which Goldman writes... It's so good, I can't really say anything about it. You have to read it!
|
