Drawing on a wide-range of anarchist publications, Only a Beginning is the first comprehensive overview of anarchist theory and practice in North America from 1976 to the present. Compiled and edited by Allan Antliff, it documents over a quarter-century of grassroots activism, including protests and gatherings, art exhibitions, street theatre, Internet sites, and squats, as well as environmental and anti-globalization protests, the rise of anarchist-feminism, the fight for queer rights, indigenous struggles, and prisoners' liberation.
In today's post-9/11 climate, protests against global trade deals, war-mongering, environmental destruction and other issues are becoming more frequent and high-profile. And in the midst of today's radical upsurge, anarchism is the only real voice speaking out passionately for social revolution.
Only a Beginning casts new light on the radical politics of the last quarter century and the centrality of anarchism for contemporary activism. Included are histories of major anarchist journals as well as essays on anarchist practices relevant to activist movements across North America.
Lavishly illustrated with original artwork and photographs, Only a Beginning is one of the most comprehensive collection of writings by anarchists ever assembled.
What People Are Saying
"I find Allan Antliff's recent anthology comprehensive and satisfying. Only A Beginning will surely increase in importance asnewly emerging resistant communities broaden our Anarchist lifeway." Pacific Rim Review of Books
"Only a Beginning is an anthology to applaud." The Gazette (London, ON)
"Without a documentary history of anarchist organizations, theoretical developments, and activism we cannot build an effective movement. Only a Beginning saves us from this fate." Ann Hansen, Direct Action: Memoirs of an Urban Guerilla
"We are all indebted to Antliff for compiling this extraordinary collection. Antliff's collection is clearly a labour of love, the work of someone with both an intimate knowledge of various anarchist scenes and tendencies, and an eye for what is salient and worthy of more discussion." The Vancouver Rain Review of Books