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A review by sinceremercy
The Plebeian Experience: A Discontinuous History of Political Freedom by Martin Breaugh
5.0
Really, really excellent. This book is going to stick with me for a long time. Breaugh describes the origin (historically and philosophically) of the "plebeian", the forms of plebeian political organisation, and the nature of plebeian political bonds. In doing so he analyses the French Revolution, the English Jacobins and the creation of the British working class, and the Paris Commune.
Anyone who considers themselves an anarchist-leaning leftist should read this book. Anyone who is interested in the history of revolutionary thought and activity should read this book. Breaugh's analysis of the French Revolution is, in contrast to the bulk of (even leftist) literature which focuses on the Jacobins, truly rooted in the politics of the masses, of the sans-culottes; it's therefore essential for anyone who wishes to understand the Revolution not as the product of "great men" but of the people.
Honestly, can't recommend this book enough, please just go pick it up.
Anyone who considers themselves an anarchist-leaning leftist should read this book. Anyone who is interested in the history of revolutionary thought and activity should read this book. Breaugh's analysis of the French Revolution is, in contrast to the bulk of (even leftist) literature which focuses on the Jacobins, truly rooted in the politics of the masses, of the sans-culottes; it's therefore essential for anyone who wishes to understand the Revolution not as the product of "great men" but of the people.
Honestly, can't recommend this book enough, please just go pick it up.