Public-domain ebook
by Kropotkin, Petr Alekseevich, kniaz
Language: en4,084 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
In: Anarchism·Philosophy & Ethics·Politics
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #23428.
The work is a political‑philosophical treatise that sets out an anarchist‑communist vision of a society organized on the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. It begins with a concise biography of its author, Prince Peter Alexeivitch Kropotkin, highlighting his noble origins, scientific career, and lifelong commitment to revolutionary activism. From that personal sketch the text launches into a broad historical survey, tracing communal practices from medieval villages to the French Revolution and the nineteenth‑century labor movement, before presenting Kropotkin’s own systematic plan for “the conquest of bread.” The opening pages therefore combine biographical context, a critique of past socialist experiments, and a promise to articulate the economic means by which humanity’s needs might be satisfied.
Written in the dense, essayistic style of late‑nineteenth‑century radical literature, the book blends scholarly footnotes with impassioned argument. Its tone is both didactic and visionary, reflecting Kropotkin’s dual identity as scientist and activist. Readers who enjoy rigorous historical analysis, detailed economic proposals, and the fervent optimism of early anarchist thought will find it rewarding, while those seeking narrative fiction or light‑hearted polemic may prefer other works.
The opening · free to read
Prince Peter Alexeivitch Kropotkin, revolutionary and scientist, was descended from the old Russian nobility, but decided, at the age of thirty, to throw in his lot with the social rebels not only of his own country, but of the entire world. He became the intellectual leader of Anarchist-Communism; took part in the labor movement; wrote many books and pamphlets; established Le Révolté in Geneva and Freedom in London; contributed to the Encyclopedia Britannica; was twice imprisoned because of his radical activities; and twice visited America. After the Bolshevist revolution he returned to Russia, kept himself apart from Soviet activities, and died true to his ideals.
The Conquest of Bread is a revolutionary idyl, a beautiful outline sketch of a future society based on liberty, equality and fraternity. It is, in Kropotkin's own words, "a study of the needs of humanity, and of the economic means to satisfy them." Read in conjunction with the same author's "Fields, Factories and Workshops," it meets all the difficulties of the social inquirer who says: "The Anarchist ideal is alluring, but how could you work it out?"
The book keeps going
Reading is free forever. Sign up and watch scenes appear while you read.
Scenes Storieta drew for other classics.
New illustrated classics
Once or twice a month: the latest books to get full character casts, scene art, and free comic editions. No account needed.
