Jerry Rubin

Jerry Rubin (1938-1994) was an American social activist, author, and counterculture figure who rose to prominence during the 1960s as a leader of the anti-war movement. He co-founded the Youth International Party (Yippies) and gained notoriety as one of the Chicago Seven defendants, charged with conspiracy and inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Rubin authored several influential books including "Do It! Scenarios of the Revolution" (1970) and "Growing (Up) at Thirty-Seven" (1976), which captured the spirit of radical activism and social upheaval during the Vietnam War era. His writing style combined political manifesto with theatrical elements, reflecting his belief that protest should incorporate elements of street theater and media spectacle. In the 1970s and 1980s, Rubin underwent a dramatic transformation from radical activist to entrepreneurial networker, becoming an early investor in Apple Computer and organizing networking events for young professionals in Manhattan. His final book, "Growing (Up) at Thirty-Seven," documented his personal evolution and embrace of self-help philosophies, marking a significant departure from his earlier revolutionary writings. His work continues to be studied as a primary source document of 1960s counterculture and radical political movements, though his later career shift to embrace capitalism made him a controversial figure among former allies. Rubin died in 1994 after being struck by a car in Los Angeles.

Readers view Rubin's books as time capsules of 1960s counterculture, with "Do It!" receiving the most attention. Many find his writing energetic but unfocused. Readers appreciate: - Raw, unfiltered perspective on 1960s activism - Humorous and provocative writing style - Historical documentation of protest tactics - Personal transformation detailed in later works Common criticisms: - Rambling, disorganized writing - Self-aggrandizing tone - Dated political references - Perceived hypocrisy in later career shift On Goodreads, "Do It!" averages 3.7/5 stars from 500+ ratings. His later works receive lower ratings, with "Growing (Up) at Thirty-Seven" at 3.2/5 from 100+ ratings. One reader notes: "Important historical document, but lacks coherent argument." Another writes: "Captures the chaos and energy of the era, even if the writing is messy." Amazon reviews echo similar sentiments, with readers valuing the historical significance over literary merit. Most recommend his books primarily for research or period interest.

Do It! Scenarios of the Revolution (1970) A guide to political activism and protest methods, blending autobiography with radical political ideas from the 1960s counterculture movement.

We Are Everywhere (1971) A collection of political writings and personal experiences documenting Rubin's involvement in various protest movements and his encounters with law enforcement.

Growing (Up) at Thirty-Seven (1976) An autobiographical account of Rubin's transformation from radical activist to self-awareness advocate, exploring his experiences with various consciousness-raising techniques.

War Between the Sheets (1980) An examination of changing sexual politics and gender roles in American society during the late 1970s.

The New Rating Guide to Life in America's Small Cities (1981) A statistical analysis and ranking of American cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000, co-authored with Paul Solman.

21 Years of Wall Street (1987) A memoir detailing Rubin's transition from anti-establishment activist to Wall Street networker and entrepreneur.

Abbie Hoffman wrote anti-establishment manifestos and activist guides like "Steal This Book" during the same countercultural era as Rubin. He co-founded the Yippies with Rubin and shared similar views on merging theatrical protest with radical politics.

Tom Hayden focused on New Left activism and wrote extensively about social movements of the 1960s and beyond. He worked alongside Rubin during protests and shared his interest in combining activism with media attention.

Todd Gitlin documented the rise and evolution of 1960s protest movements as both a participant and academic observer. His writings examine the same cultural shifts and activist strategies that Rubin experienced firsthand.

William Kunstler defended civil rights activists and wrote about his experiences as a radical lawyer during the counterculture era. He represented Rubin in the Chicago Seven trial and shared his commitment to challenging institutional power.

Paul Krassner published satirical work about politics and culture in The Realist magazine while collaborating with Rubin on Yippie actions. His writing mixed humor and protest in ways that paralleled Rubin's theatrical approach to activism.