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Paul Avrich, An American Anarchist: The Life of Voltairine de Cleyre Oakland & Edinburgh: AK Press, 2018; 264pp; ISBN 9781849352680
AK Press has yet again rejuvenated a classic of anarchist scholarship to be made widely available for a new generation of readership. Originally published in 1978, this fortieth anniversary edition of Paul Avrich's biography of Voltairine de Cleyre has been faithfully reprinted with a new forward by Robert P. Helms. Avrich's An American Anarchist has stood the test of time to re-emerge as an example of solid radical scholarship, making abundant use of archival records and first-person accounts to elucidate the life and work of Voltairine de Cleyre, her numerous recognisable associates, and the circles in which she was involved. Clearly well-versed in anarchist theory and history through an abundance of primary source material, Avrich's biography successfully navigates the intricate twists and turns of the life of Voltairine de Cleyre.
An American Anarchist is comprised of ten chapters detailing the major life periods of Voltairine de Cleyre. Many of the chapters are place-based, detailing de Cleyre's childhood...