(en) France, Alternative Libertaire #223 - Read: Michael Schmidt: Mapping anarchism (fr)

Michael Schmidt is not only a talented historian, he is also an activist whose spring 
force commitment in tone and the central theses of the book. From the outset, this mapping 
states that " anarchist tradition "is historically dated and geographically more 
widespread than what is usually described. It also argues that anarchism is deeply 
proletarian - sensitivity and ideology born at the same time as the industrial era - as 
opposed to the almost immediate authoritarian Marxism and trade unionism it is almost 
coextensive: both practice self- organization and offensive strategy. ---- For the author, 
it is indeed not possible to separate the modern form of anarchism what it opposes - 
capitalism. If the libertarian sense is prior to the industrial era (in philosophical 
Taoism mound Chinese imperial centralism, radical materialism of the seventeenth and 
eighteenth centuries, etc..) Should not be confused with the mass consciousness of the 
nineteenth century in anarchism is a form of organization of the working class.

The specificity of the approach Michael Schmidt is also another repositioning geography. 
Recall that the author is a South African, it is this view which allows him to put the 
record straight. For revolutionary anarchism spreads from the original (mid nineteenth 
century), Cuba, Russia, South America and Asia. Far from being just the West, it is also 
written in the same way and with the same force, Chinese, Korean, languages ??in 
sub-Saharan Africa.

Moreover, it is one of the most exciting aspects of the book, and inspiring: the 
description by Mr. Schmidt depth and consistency of ideological anarchism, its roots, and 
its internationalism native, this wind that spread throughout the world. Finally, we note 
the intelligence of the historical account rather than chronology where ideas or 
characters of anarchy, the author conducted five "waves" whose consistency is both events, 
strategic and ideological. In doing so, he reassures us of the strength and vitality of 
anarchism: evolutionary, it is still valid, and it is more than ever an answer to 
capitalism, across time and across borders and cultures.

Cuervo (AL Northwest Suburbs)

Mapping of revolutionary anarchism of Michael Schmidt, ed Lux, 190 pages, 14 euros