Michael Bakunin

Michael Bakunin chronicles the life and political evolution of the Russian revolutionary and anarchist philosopher Mikhail Bakunin. The biography follows Bakunin from his aristocratic upbringing through his involvement in European revolutionary movements of the 1800s. E.H. Carr reconstructs Bakunin's journey across Europe, his relationships with other revolutionary figures like Marx and Proudhon, and his development of anarchist theory. The narrative covers Bakunin's imprisonment, exile to Siberia, eventual escape, and his continued pursuit of radical social change. The book details Bakunin's role in various uprisings and revolutionary organizations, including the First International and the Dresden Uprising of 1849. Carr draws from extensive primary sources including Bakunin's writings, letters, and contemporary accounts. This biography illuminates the tensions between anarchism and Marxism while exploring themes of individual liberty versus collective action. The work stands as both a political biography and an examination of the revolutionary ideologies that shaped 19th century Europe.

Readers note this biography provides thorough documentation of Bakunin's life and revolutionary activities, though some find Carr's tone unsympathetic to his subject. Multiple reviews mention Carr's emphasis on Bakunin's contradictions and personal failings. Readers appreciated: - Extensive research and primary sources - Clear chronological structure - Coverage of Bakunin's relationships with Marx and other revolutionaries - Detailed context of 19th century European politics Common criticisms: - Carr's perceived bias against Bakunin - Dense academic writing style - Limited analysis of Bakunin's actual ideas and philosophy - Focus on personal flaws over political contributions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (83 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "Carr seems more interested in pointing out Bakunin's personality defects than examining his theoretical contributions." Another commented: "The research is impressive but the author's disdain for his subject comes through clearly."

God and the State by Mikhail Bakunin A core text on anarchist philosophy that expands on themes found in Carr's biography through Bakunin's own writings on authority, religion, and state power.

Emma Goldman: Revolution as a Way of Life by Vivian Gornick This biography chronicles another influential anarchist figure through both personal and political lenses, paralleling Carr's approach to understanding revolutionary figures.

The Russian Anarchists by Paul Avrich A historical examination of the Russian anarchist movement provides context to the period and ideological climate that shaped Bakunin's thoughts and actions.

Marx and Engels: Their Contribution to the Democratic Breakthrough by August H. Nimtz This work examines revolutionary theory and practice in 19th century Europe, intersecting with Bakunin's life and the ideological conflicts Carr describes.

Demanding the Impossible: A History of Anarchism by Peter Marshall This comprehensive history places Bakunin's ideas and influence within the broader anarchist movement, expanding on the historical context presented in Carr's biography.

🔹 E.H. Carr wrote this definitive biography of Bakunin in 1937, during a break from his diplomatic career with the British Foreign Office, before becoming a renowned historian of Soviet Russia. 🔹 Bakunin and Karl Marx's fierce rivalry, detailed in the book, culminated in Bakunin's expulsion from the First International in 1872, splitting the global socialist movement into anarchist and Marxist factions. 🔹 Despite being a radical revolutionary, Bakunin came from Russian nobility and initially served as an artillery officer in the Tsar's army before his transformation into an anarchist philosopher. 🔹 The biography reveals how Bakunin spent eight years in various European prisons, including the infamous Peter and Paul Fortress, before making a dramatic escape from Siberian exile to Japan and eventually Europe. 🔹 This book was one of the first English-language works to extensively use Russian sources and documents about Bakunin, many of which had been previously unavailable to Western scholars.