Steal This Book

Steal This Book is a book written by Abbie Hoffman, a prominent figure in the Counterculture of the 1960s, and published in 1970 by Pirate Editions. The book is a guide to living outside the mainstream American culture, with a focus on Anarchism and Socialism. It was influenced by the works of Mao Zedong, Che Guevara, and Ho Chi Minh, and its publication coincided with the Kent State shootings and the May Day protests. The book's message was also shaped by the Civil Rights Movement, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, and the Anti-war movement, which included activists like Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden.

Introduction

The book's introduction, written by Abbie Hoffman, sets the tone for the rest of the book, which is a call to action for young people to challenge the Establishment and create their own Counterculture. Hoffman draws inspiration from the Dada movement and the Surrealist movement, as well as the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution. He also references the works of Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and Jack Kerouac, who were all influential figures in the Beat Generation. The introduction is dedicated to Eldridge Cleaver, a prominent figure in the Black Panther Party, and Timothy Leary, a well-known Psychedelic rock advocate.

Background

The background to the book is rooted in the Counterculture of the 1960s, which was characterized by a rejection of mainstream American culture and the Vietnam War. The book was influenced by the New Left movement, which included organizations such as the Students for a Democratic Society and the Weather Underground. Hoffman was also influenced by the Anarchist movement, which included figures such as Emma Goldman and Mikhail Bakunin, and the Socialist movement, which included figures such as Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. The book's message was also shaped by the Feminist movement, led by figures such as Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem, and the Gay liberation movement, which included activists like Harvey Milk and Marsha P. Johnson.

Content

The book is divided into three sections: "Survive", "Fight", and "Liberate". The "Survive" section provides tips on how to live outside the mainstream, including how to obtain free food, shelter, and clothing. It references the works of Henry David Thoreau and his book Walden, as well as the Simple living movement. The "Fight" section provides guidance on how to challenge the Establishment, including how to organize protests and demonstrations. It draws inspiration from the Civil Rights Movement, the Anti-war movement, and the Labor movement, which included figures such as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. The "Liberate" section provides a vision for a future Utopian society, which is influenced by the works of Charles Fourier and Robert Owen.

Publication History

The book was first published in 1970 by Pirate Editions, a small Independent publisher based in New York City. The book was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies in the first year. It was also widely reviewed, with articles appearing in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone. The book's publication coincided with the 1970s energy crisis and the Stagflation of the 1970s economy. It was also influenced by the Watergate scandal and the Resignation of Richard Nixon.

Reception and Impact

The book received widespread attention and acclaim, with reviews appearing in The New Yorker, The Nation, and The Village Voice. It was praised by figures such as Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, and Todd Gitlin, who saw it as a call to action for young people to challenge the Establishment. The book's message was also influential in the Punk rock movement, which included bands such as The Clash and The Sex Pistols. It was also referenced in the works of Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller, who were both influential figures in American literature.

Controversy and Criticism

The book was also widely criticized, with some accusing Hoffman of promoting Anarchism and Socialism. It was criticized by figures such as William F. Buckley Jr. and George Will, who saw it as a threat to mainstream American culture. The book was also banned in some schools and libraries, due to its perceived Obscenity and Subversion. Despite the controversy, the book remains a classic of Counterculture literature, and its message continues to inspire young people to challenge the Establishment and create their own Counterculture. The book's legacy can be seen in the works of Naomi Klein and Chris Hedges, who have both written about the need for Social change and Revolution. Category:Counterculture