On Wednesday 31st July 2024, from 7.30-9.30pm, Stroud Radical Reading Group will host a discussion of Means and Ends: The Revolutionary Practice of Anarchism in Europe and the United States by Zoe Baker. We will meet at 10 John St, GL5 2AH. Below you can find links to free resources related to the book, to buy a physical copy of the book at a discount, information about the event and venue.

Means and Ends is a new overview of the revolutionary strategy of anarchism in Europe and the United States between 1868 and 1939. Zoe Baker clearly and accessibly explains the ideas that historical anarchists developed in order to change the world. This includes their views on direct action, revolution, organization, state socialism, reforms, and trade unions. The consistent heart of anarchism was the idea that anarchist ends can only be achieved through anarchist means. Baker draws upon a vast assortment of examples to show how this simple premise underpinned anarchist attempts to put theory into action.

You can buy the book from the Yellow Lighted Bookshop (Nailsworth, Tetbury or Chalford pick up or delivery at £3.50) via the previous link – RRP £21. When looking at your “basket” enter the “couponcode” stroudradical24 for a 12% discount – final book price £18.48, a saving of £2.52).

About our events and the venue

Stroud Radical Reading Group events are free to attend, though we will make a collection to cover costs – please bring some cash. We try to create a comfortable discussion space for everyone, including people who have not been part of a reading group or been to university. Anyone is welcome to listen to the discussion, though we encourage contributions only from those who have read at least some of the book we are discussing.

We will meet at 10 John St, GL5 2AH. This is near the centre of town, a short walk from Stroud Railway Station and a slightly longer walk from the Merrywalks Bus Station. There are stands to lock bikes to outside, and parking for cars nearby in either Brunel Mall, Fawkes Place, or Church St car park. There is a low step to enter the building, which is flat. There are no toilet facilities. Please get in touch if you’d like to get more of an idea of what the sessions are like or if you have any accessibility needs.

About the book and author

“Means and Ends is a new overview of the revolutionary strategy of anarchism in Europe and the United States between 1868 and 1939. Zoe Baker clearly and accessibly explains the ideas that historical anarchists developed in order to change the world. This includes their views on direct action, revolution, organization, state socialism, reforms, and trade unions.
Throughout, she demonstrates that the reasons anarchists gave for supporting or opposing particular strategies were grounded in a theoretical framework—a theory of practice—which maintained that, as people engage in activity, they simultaneously change the world and themselves. This theoretical framework was the foundation for the anarchist commitment to the unity of means and ends: the means that revolutionaries propose to achieve social change have to involve forms of activity which transform people into individuals who are capable of, and driven to, both overthrow capitalism and the state and build a free society. The consistent heart of anarchism was the idea that anarchist ends can only be achieved through anarchist means. Cutting through misconceptions and historical inaccuracies, Baker draws upon a vast assortment of examples to show how this simple premise underpinned anarchist attempts to put theory into action.”

Publishers description (Pluto Press)

Zoe Baker is a libertarian socialist philosopher with a PhD on the history of anarchism. She is known for popularizing the theory and history of anarchism, feminism, and Marxism on her popular YouTube and Twitter platforms

Free resources:

• A short piece by Zoe Baker titled “Means and Ends: The Anarchist Critique of Seizing State Power”
• Full text of book available online as text or download as a pdf from libcom.org (Baker has granted permission, but please support radical publisher AK Press or her if possible)
• 17 minute video by Zoe Baker – “Means and Ends: The Anarchist Critique of Seizing State Power” (embedded below)
• 78 minute audio “From Below” podcast episode interview with Zoe Baker
• Zoe Baker’s @anarchopac YouTube channel
• Zoe Baker/@anarchopac on Twitter