This was a rather interesting book to read. It lays out the principals and inspirations of anarchist thought fairly clearly. While Kropotkin doesn't write in an overly ornate or elaborate fashion, he also avoids oversimplifying his style to the point of simply being boring or insulting either. It's clear the author was passionate in his beliefs, and he does a very good job of laying out his plan for what an anarchist society should look like in clear and concrete terms, rather than simply leaving life after the supposed revolution as some sort of theoretical quagmire to be resolved once it's already become a reality. However, I do dock a star because at times Kropotkin seems dreadfully naïve. He constantly places a faith in humanity that seems borderline foolish, expecting the great majority of people to act out of complete altruism in his vision of an anarchist society. ( )

Peter Kropotkin (1842-1921) was a member of the Russian aristocracy who became one of the leading theorists of anarchism. He spent most of his adult life in exile, mainly in England. This book is an anthology of his writings on anarchism. His view of anarchism is essentially idealistic , viewing it as a "natural phenomenon" (p 236). He was revolutionary, but opposed the excesses of the Russian Revolution, looking to a future where individuals could work in voluntary groups to accomplish their ends.

In addition to the excellent statement on anarchism he prepared for the Encyclopedia Britannica the book also includes the essays, "Modern Science and Anarchism", "Law and Authority", and "Prisons and their Moral Influence". The "Spirit of Revolt" is a brief but moving personal statement of belief while the other essays discuss principles, education, and ethics of anarchism. I found this book a valuable contribution to the history of anarchist thought. ( )