Anarchy, Geography, Modernity: Selected Writings of Elisée Reclus

Abstract

PM Press edition. "The first comprehensive introduction to the thought of Elisée Reclus, the great anarchist geographer and political theorist, Anarchy, Geography, Modernity presents his groundbreaking critique of all forms of domination: not only capitalism, the state, and authoritarian religion, but also patriarchy, racism, technological domination, and the domination of nature. Not only an anarchist, but also a radical feminist, antiracist, ecologist, animal rights advocate, cultural radical, nudist, and vegetarian, Reclus' ideas are presented both through detailed exposition and analysis and in extensive translations of key texts, most appearing in English for the first time. The work elucidates Reclus' greatest achievement, a sweeping historical and theoretical synthesis recounting the story of the earth and humanity as an epochal struggle between freedom and domination, and his crucial insights on the interrelation between personal and small-group transformation, broader cultural change, and large-scale social organization are also explored"--Provided by publisher. Preface to the PM Press edition -- Preface to the First edition -- Part I. An introduction to Reclus' social thought. The Earth story, the human story -- The anarchist geographer -- The dialectic of nature and culture -- A philosophy of progress -- Anarchism and social transformation -- The critique of domination -- The legacy of Reclus: liberty, equality, geography -- Part II. Selected writings of Elisée Reclus. The feeling for nature in modern society (1866) -- To my brother the peasant (1893) -- Anarchy (1894) -- The extended family (1896) -- Evolution, revolution, and the anarchist ideal (1898) -- On vegetarianism (1901) -- The history of cities (1905) -- The modern state (1905) -- Culture and property (1905) -- Progress (1905) -- Advice to my anarchist comrades (1901).