We, the Anarchists: A Study of the Iberian Anarchist Federation (FAI) 1927-1937

We, the Anarchists examines the history and development of the Iberian Anarchist Federation (FAI) during a pivotal decade in Spanish history. The book traces the FAI's formation as a militant organization within Spain's larger anarchist movement and its relationship with the CNT labor union. Stuart Christie draws on primary sources and archival materials to document the FAI's internal dynamics, strategic debates, and responses to the political upheavals of 1920s and 1930s Spain. The narrative follows key figures and events while analyzing the organization's structure, tactics, and ideological evolution during a period of increasing social conflict. The work explores how the FAI navigated tensions between revolutionary ideals and practical challenges, including questions of violence, democracy, and cooperation with other political forces. Through detailed accounts of conferences, actions, and policy discussions, Christie reconstructs the FAI's role in shaping Spanish anarchism. This history raises enduring questions about radical movements, organizational methods, and the relationship between means and ends in revolutionary politics. The book contributes to broader discussions about grassroots resistance, direct action, and alternatives to state power.

Readers appreciate the book's detailed research and original source material on the FAI's organizational history. Several reviewers noted the helpful analysis of internal debates and ideological developments within Spanish anarchism during this period. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanation of FAI's structure and evolution - Documentation of tensions between moderates and radicals - Translation of Spanish source documents Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Limited coverage of events after 1936 - Focus on organizational matters over social history Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (6 ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (8 ratings) One reader on LibraryThing wrote: "Strong on organizational details but could use more context about the broader anarchist movement." A Goodreads review noted: "The archival research is impressive but the prose is dry at times."

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📚 The FAI (Iberian Anarchist Federation) operated as a "secret" organization within the much larger CNT labor union, functioning as its radical conscience and helping maintain its revolutionary character. 🖋️ Author Stuart Christie was himself an anarchist activist who was imprisoned in Spain in 1964 for attempting to assassinate Francisco Franco, making him uniquely positioned to understand the subject matter. ⚔️ During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1937), the FAI and CNT controlled much of Barcelona and established worker-run industries and collectivized agriculture, creating one of history's largest real-world experiments in anarchist organization. 🌟 The book reveals how the FAI evolved from a militant revolutionary organization into a more conventional political entity as it gained power, causing significant ideological debates within the anarchist movement. 🗞️ The FAI published several influential newspapers including Tierra y Libertad (Land and Liberty), which helped spread anarchist ideas throughout Spain and became one of the most important revolutionary publications of the era.