Skip to main content
  • Book
  • © 2019

The Palgrave Handbook of Anarchism

Palgrave Macmillan
  • Offers clear and definitive explications of core concepts, traditions, events, and applications of anarchist political ideology
  • Connects the history and theory of anarchist ideology to contemporary problems and issues in addressing both classical and emerging areas of research
  • Unites scholars across disciplines such as history, political science, philosophy, sociology, geography, and art to cover the broad range of anarchist studies

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 299.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check for access.

Table of contents (40 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxi
  2. Introduction

    • Carl Levy, Matthew S. Adams
    Pages 1-23
  3. Core Problems/Problématiques

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 25-25
    2. The State

      • Nathan J. Jun
      Pages 27-45
    3. Individual and Community

      • Laurence Davis
      Pages 47-69
    4. Freedom

      • Alex Prichard
      Pages 71-89
    5. Anarchism and Cosmopolitanism

      • Carl Levy
      Pages 125-148
    6. Anti-Imperialism

      • Ole Birk Laursen
      Pages 149-167
    7. Anarchism and Religion

      • Alexandre Christoyannopoulos, Lara Apps
      Pages 169-192
    8. Anarchism and Science

      • Elliot Murphy
      Pages 193-209
  4. Core Traditions

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 211-211
    2. Mutualism

      • Shawn P. Wilbur
      Pages 213-224
    3. Individualism

      • Peter Ryley
      Pages 225-236
    4. Anarchist Communism

      • Davide Turcato
      Pages 237-247
    5. Syndicalism

      • Lucien van der Walt
      Pages 249-263
    6. Anarcha-Feminism

      • Donna M. Kowal
      Pages 265-279
    7. Green Anarchism

      • Andy Price
      Pages 281-291
    8. Postanarchism

      • Saul Newman
      Pages 293-303

About this book

This handbook unites leading scholars from around the world in exploring anarchism as a political ideology, from an examination of its core principles, an analysis of its history, and an assessment of its contribution to the struggles that face humanity today. Grounded in a conceptual and historical approach, each entry charts what is distinctive about the anarchist response to particular intellectual, political, cultural and social phenomena, and considers how these values have changed over time. At its heart is a sustained process of conceptual definition and an extended examination of the core claims of this frequently misunderstood political tradition. It is the definitive scholarly reference work on anarchism as a political ideology, and should be a crucial text for scholars, students, and activists alike.

Reviews

“This resource provides a thorough account of anarchist history and ideas. … This exceptional book makes an important contribution to the study of this topic. Essays could be assigned to students in various disciplines including history, political science, environmental studies, and women’s studies. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.” (E. S. Danowitz, Choice, Vol. 56 (5), January, 2019)​ “This excellent collection of essays shows how anarchist critique has given rise to a living, dynamic tradition and why that critique remains vital.” (Ruth Kinna, Loughborough University, UK)

“This is an indispensable reference work for anyone interested in the history and theory of anarchism.” (Gregory Claeys, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK)

“Will certainly become the key text on anarchism....No anarchist stone is left unturned or thrown.” (Donald Sassoon, Queen Mary, University of London, UK)

“This is an illuminating, comprehensive, and thought-provoking volume.” (Duncan Bell, Christ's College, University of Cambridge, UK)

“This book will be essential reading to anyone interested in making sense of both our past and of the politics of 21st century.” (Ilaria Favretto, Kingston University, London)

Editors and Affiliations

  • Department of Politics and International Relations Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK

    Carl Levy

  • Department of Politics, History and International Relations, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK

    Matthew S. Adams

About the editors

Carl Levy is Professor of Politics at Goldsmiths, University of London, UK. He is the author of eleven single-authored and edited books and over 75 journal articles and chapters in edited books.

Matthew S. Adams is Lecturer in Politics, History and Communication at Loughborough University, UK. His first book focused on the work of Peter Kropotkin and Herbert Read, and examined their efforts to articulate a distinctive anarchist politics. He has published on parallel themes in a number of intellectual history and history of political thought journals.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 299.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access