Now & After (ePub)

Alexander Berkman (1870-1936) was a prominent figure in the anarchist movement, best known for his political activism, writing, and life as an advocate for social justice. Born in Vilna, Russian Empire (now Vilnius, Lithuania), he immigrated to the United States in 1888. Berkman became involved in the anarchist movement, influenced by the theories of Peter Kropotkin and Emma Goldman, with the latter becoming a lifelong friend and collaborator. His dedication to the cause was such that it led to his imprisonment for the attempted assassination of industrialist Henry Clay Frick in 1892, an act intended to avenge the bloody suppression of the Homestead Steel Strike. Berkman's experiences in prison shaped many of his later works and profoundly influenced his views on the justice system and penal reform. Upon his release, Berkman continued to write and partake in political activism. His best-known work, 'Now & After: The ABC of Communist Anarchism' (also known as 'What Is Communist Anarchism?'), published in 1929, is a clear exposition of anarchist philosophy. The book provides an accessible introduction to the principles of anarchism and serves as a potent critique of both capitalist society and Bolshevik communism. Through 'Now & After' and other writings, Berkman conveyed his vision of a society based on cooperation and mutual aid, free from coercive authority. His literary style combined the earnestness of a propagandist with the personal touch of someone who had firsthand experience of the struggles faced by advocates of social change, bringing both a passionate ethos and pragmatic logics to his works. Despite his turbulent life, Berkman's influential legacy endures in the annals of anarchist thought and literature.