Now and After

Now and After: The ABC of Communist Anarchism, published in 1929, stands as a foundational text in anarchist literature. The book presents anarchist philosophy and communist anarchist principles in clear, accessible language for general readers. Written by Alexander Berkman at the request of the Jewish Anarchist Federation in New York, the text emerged during a critical period for the anarchist movement. The 1920s saw widespread suppression of anarchists across the United States and Soviet Union, with many facing deportation, imprisonment, or exile. The work has been republished numerous times under various titles, including What Is Communist Anarchism?, What Is Anarchism? and The ABC of Anarchism. Its enduring influence has earned recognition from historians and anarchist thinkers as one of the most comprehensive and clear explanations of anarchist ideology in English. The text represents both a practical guide to anarchist thought and a testament to the resilience of radical political movements in the face of systematic opposition. Through straightforward exposition, it addresses fundamental questions about social organization, economic equality, and human freedom.

Readers describe Now and After (also known as What Is Communist Anarchism?) as a clear introduction to anarchist philosophy. Many reviews highlight Berkman's conversational writing style and ability to explain complex ideas through relatable examples. What readers liked: - Question-and-answer format makes concepts accessible - Real-world applications of anarchist principles - Straightforward explanations without academic jargon What readers disliked: - Some dated historical references - Repetitive points in later chapters - Limited discussion of alternative viewpoints Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (556 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (31 ratings) "Berkman writes like he's having a conversation with you over coffee," notes one Goodreads reviewer. An Amazon reader stated: "The straightforward presentation helped me understand anarchist ideas better than academic texts." Several reviews mention this book as their introduction to anarchist thought, with one noting: "It answered the practical questions I had about how an anarchist society would function."

Anarchism and Other Essays by Emma Goldman Chronicles the development of anarchist thought through personal experiences and theoretical analysis, offering perspectives that complement Berkman's systematic approach to anarchist principles.

Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution by Peter Kropotkin Presents scientific and historical evidence for cooperative social structures as alternatives to hierarchical systems, building on the foundation of communist anarchist theory.

The Conquest of Bread by Peter Kropotkin Details the practical implementation of anarchist-communist principles in society, expanding on the economic ideas Berkman introduces.

Fields, Factories and Workshops by Peter Kropotkin Examines the integration of industrial and agricultural production in an anarchist framework, providing concrete examples of the economic reorganization Berkman envisions.

God and the State by Mikhail Bakunin Explores the relationship between religious authority and state power, developing the critique of hierarchical institutions that Berkman addresses.

⚡ Alexander Berkman wrote this book while in exile in Sweden after being deported from the United States in 1919 for his anti-war activism during World War I. ⚡ The book was initially published under the title "What Is Anarchism?" in 1929, and later editions were released as "Now and After: The ABC of Communist Anarchism." ⚡ Berkman drew heavily from his personal experiences as a political prisoner, having spent 14 years in Western Penitentiary in Pennsylvania for attempting to assassinate industrialist Henry Clay Frick. ⚡ The text was specifically written to be accessible to workers, incorporating feedback from factory workers who reviewed early drafts to ensure the language remained clear and relatable. ⚡ Emma Goldman, another prominent anarchist and Berkman's lifelong friend, helped distribute the book through her publishing house and lecture circuits, making it a cornerstone text of the anarchist movement.