The Accumulation of Freedom: Writings on Anarchist Economics

by Deric Shannon (Editor), Anthony J. Nocella II (Editor), John Asimakopoulos (Editor)

The only crisis of capitalism is capitalism itself. Let's toss credit default swaps, bailouts, environmental externalities and, while we're at it, private ownership of production in the dustbin of history. The Accumulation of Freedom brings together economists, historians, theorists, and activists for a first-of-its-kind study of anarchist economics. The editors aren't trying to subvert the notion of economics—they accept the standard definition, but reject the notion that capitalism or central planning are acceptable ways to organize economic life. Contributors include Robin Hahnel, Iain McKay, Marie Trigona, Chris Spannos, Ernesto Aguilar, Uri Gordon, and more.

Genres: Economics, Politics, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Theory, Essays, Anarchism

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2012

Reviews

[Classe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full communism or gtfo.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection that really brings together some of the most insightful anarchist writing of recent years. The volumes include detailed looks at the history of anarchist writing on economics, the way that anarchist critiques play into new economic models, how organizing can fit in a post-collapse economy, and the way that challenges can occur through anti-authoritarian models. Great chapters by Wayne Price, Deric Shannon(also editor), Uri Gordon, and Scott Nappalos, among many others, weave a great discussion of revolutionary praxis and a way of thinking about economics outside of the conventional limitations. This series of essays will be with us a long time, and will really be a contribution as anarchist movements focus in on austerity movements globally. I am excited about the coming follow up edited by Deric Shannon that will focus on organizing during periods of austerity.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of essays covering different schools of anarchist or libertarian socialist economic theory and practice. It covers a wide range of ideas and some of the pieces are highly detailed and provide concrete historical evidence and data. All in all it's a good, solid, well-rounded, and thought-provoking collection for anyone interested in the economic aspects of anarchism and those of us seeking solutions for a society that promises economic and social justice for all.

One of my all-time favorites.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never been of the view that you should study only things one agrees with. It is important to understand the criticisms and arguments of others. This is arguments of those who believe in anarchy and is worth reading.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is going to be a bit of a rant. I think I'm mostly mad at myself for finishing it.

As I've said many many times, I despise academic writing. I especially despise it from anarchists. We are supposed to be about tearing down walls, not erecting them. Academia writes like that to create barriers. Who is this book for anyway? It's not for anarchists who have heard most, if not all, of this before. It's not an intro. It's not for the vast majority of ppl who would never read a book like this. It often felt like some dudes who were in their feelings because they weren't part of the Marx/Smith economist jack off and wanted to bring Proudhon into the circle jerk. What are there like two women essayists? And of course they are the ones who wrote about things ppl are actually doing or have done. It's not like there are no interesting essays. But it's mostly a slog with little point. Side note: I could have accepted the introduction just dismissing mutualism as fringe and not to be discussed if Deric Shannon didn't go on to spend an enter chapter going after Kevin Carson. Kevin really got up your butt, huh Deric?

The problem with economics and Marx and all the other dudes (and they are mostly dudes) who spend all their time on this is that they seem accept the capitalist/industrialist contention that production is the foundation when actually CARE is. If y'all could spend 1/10 of the time on how we care for each other rather than what we produce, we might really get somewhere.

[Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid summary of leftist anarchist and libertarian socialist schools of thought. This is collection of essays from different authors and I liked seeing different voices and focuses throughout the book. Some of them even played devils advocate. If you’re familiar with these ideas, you’ll know that there are multiple differing ideas about how to implement/maintain these societal changes. There’s probably not a one-size-fits-all solution to today’s problems as one of the essays suggests. I agree with that whole heartedly and I think a solid education on the core principles over being married to a specific methodology is a better focus.

[Rhys · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the essay by Deric Shannon on libertarian anarchism - I'll have to track down his Routledge text. A good discussion on intersectionality in anarchist thought, and the importance of an economic plan for establishing the credibility of an 'after the revolution' anarchist society.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like every anthology, some chapters were better than others. But some of them merited a 5 stars rating. I learned some things from this book.

[Doug Brunell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from AK Press. The first ever study of anarchist economics is a good introduction, but if you are looking for hard and fast answers to a vast problem, look elsewhere. This book only gives theories, ideas and possible solutions ... each with problems of their own.

If you are interested in anarchism, freedom and capitalism, this is something you need to read. You may not agree with it all, but it will give you some pause for debate.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic anarchist primer on economic thought

[Andrew Nolan · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book on anarchist economics there is very little in the way of economics contained within and it's generally more in line with Marxist economics when it is present.

[Barney]

This collection of essays is great for someone looking to get acquainted with anarchism in as deep a level a single book can delve.