Steal This Book

Steal This Book, written by activist Abbie Hoffman in 1970, serves as a counterculture manual for living outside mainstream American society. The book became an underground success, selling over 250,000 copies in its first year despite many bookstores refusing to stock it. The text is organized into three main sections: "Survive!", "Fight!", and "Liberate!", each offering practical instructions for resisting authority and living freely. Hoffman drew from his experiences as a prominent anti-Vietnam War protestor and social activist to create this detailed guide for young revolutionaries. Over 50 contributors helped compile the book's content, which ranges from obtaining free goods and services to organizing protests and establishing alternative communities. The work includes specific techniques, contact information for activist organizations, and recommendations for other revolutionary literature. The book stands as both a practical manual and a manifesto of 1960s counterculture values, capturing the era's rejection of traditional authority and embrace of radical social change. It remains a significant document of American protest literature and youth activism.

Readers view this book as both a historical artifact and practical manual, with most seeing it as a window into 1970s counterculture activism. Positive reviews focus on: - The detailed instructions remain relevant for modern protest tactics - Hoffman's humorous writing style and satirical tone - Value as a historical document of radical politics - Practical advice mixed with political philosophy Common criticisms: - Many techniques are outdated or illegal - Some find it promotes theft and destructive behavior - Writing can be disorganized and rambling - Several readers note factual errors Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (7,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (890+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "A fascinating time capsule of counterculture resistance" - Goodreads "Half practical manual, half political manifesto" - Amazon "The how-to sections are more entertaining than useful now" - LibraryThing "Shows how much and how little has changed in activism" - Goodreads

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🗸 The book's title was inspired by comedian Emmett Grogan's habit of shouting "steal this book!" at Hoffman's speaking events, though Grogan later claimed Hoffman stole the idea from him. 🗸 Several printers initially refused to print the book due to its controversial content, and Hoffman had to use the fake company name "Pirate Editions" to get it published. 🗸 The original cover price was $1.95, deliberately set low to make it accessible to young readers, though Hoffman suggested that the best price was "nothing." 🗸 Many public libraries banned the book upon release, and major newspapers refused to run advertisements for it, leading Hoffman to organize guerrilla marketing campaigns. 🗸 Random House editor Jim Silberman offered Hoffman a $40,000 advance for the book but ultimately dropped it after reading the manuscript, deeming it too legally risky to publish.