The AK Press collective recommends…

Often people ask us, as collective members of AK Press, for recommendations of what to read. We are lucky enough to sit in a warehouse surrounded by stacks of amazing literature, as a result, we have become familiar with the vast collection of books on our shelves. And as you may have guessed, AK Press collective members tend to feel passionate about books and politics, we also tend to have strong opinions, that sometimes conflict (and sometimes do not). Below are recommendations from the current collective members at AK Press. What follows is a list of our favorite books, videos, pamphlets, and manifestos of all times; things, in our opinion, you just gotta read.

Ashley

Making A Killing by Bob Torres
This is my favorite new book that's come out in awhile- the book on animal rights and anarchism that should have been written and published years ago. Bob Torres (of Vegan Freak fame) takes on the political economy of animal rights, the flaws in the current movement, and why we as anarchists, activists, and compassionate people need to adopt veganism as one of our many steps toward the liberation we're all working towards. Don't let the term "political economy" scare you off, or think it's going to be some sort of dry, Marxist text—the writing is accessible and the arguments are relevant and right-on.

Beyond Gallery Walls and Dead White Men by Various
This is a zine in which about 20 women from a wide variety of backgrounds write about what anarcha-feminism means to them. Topics include how the writers got involved with anarchist-feminist thought, how it intersects with other forms of ideology and activism, and how we can all derive strength from each other's struggles. A sort of contemporary (unrelated) extension of Quiet Rumors, put together by two young women in zine form. Very much worth supporting.

A Spoon For Every Bite/Una Cuchara Para Cada Bocado by Joe Hayes and Rebecca Leer (Illustrator)
This is a bilingual (Spanish and English) children's book in which a very obnoxious, very rich person gets outsmarted and embarrassed by his poor neighbors. What more could you ask for? A fun read with a good lesson—definitely a must for the soon-to-be-radicals in your life.

Across Three Decades Of Anarchism: A Brief History Of The Wooden Shoe Collective by James G (editor)
A collective oral history of Wooden Shoe, "one of the longest continuously running anarchist projects in North America," told through a combination of interviews and editorializing by one collective member. This zine is an entertaining and inspiring read, while remaining realistic in its portrayal of all the time and energy that goes into maintaining as huge a project as an infoshop.

The New Farm Vegetarian Cookbook by Dorothy Bates and Louise Hagler
The best veg*n cookbook ever, hands down. I own (and adore) a great many vegan cookbooks, but this is the only one I actually use. With an emphasis on whole foods, and doing it yourself (think soymilk and tofu from scratch), this book comes to us from what seems to be a sort of magical 1970s hippy commune and is filled with, suitably, touching and hilarious photos of (and drawings by) said hippies. A treasure.

Kate

Surrealist Subversions edited by Ron Sakolsky
Surrealism? In Chicago? You betcha! A massive compendium of rants, writings, tracts, and declarations by America's most prolonged, most radical, most prolific surrealist group. Check out Sakolsky's exhaustive introduction to the collection, which situates the activities of the Chicago Surrealist Group and illuminates some of the movement's key figures.

Scum Manifesto by Valerie Solanas
The very first AK Press book I ever bought, way back in the late-90s. Valerie Solanas became famous after the movie I Shot Any Warhol hit the cinemas, but her attempt on Andy Warhol's life is only part of the story. Half-polemic, half fantasy, and entirely unsettling, Solanas's vision of a feminist future is a stunning indictment of dominant cultural practices.

Born in Flames DVD directed by Lizzie Borden
Like a futuristic Laura Mulvey flick. Plus, how can you go wrong with the Red Krayola's theme song playing throughout?

Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination by Robin D. G. Kelley
Without doubt, one of the best books on the transformative power of the utopian imagination ever written. Kelley's book is a history, and a great one, but it's also an impassioned cry for us to realize that we can only create a better world if we can first imagine it.

Realizing the Impossible: Art Against Authority edited by Josh MacPhee and Erik Reuland
One of my favorite books, edited by two of my favorite artists! Josh & Erik (both members of the amazing Justseeds Cooperative) explore the direct links that have always existed between anti-authoritarian politics and the avant-garde fringe of the world of artistic production. From mobile trailers in Baltimore to militant media in Latin America, Realizing the Impossible takes theory out of the museums and puts it back where it belongs: in the streets. Includes contributions from Carlos Cortez, Cindy Milstein, David Graeber, Erika Biddle, Erik Lyle, Kyle Harris, Anne Elizabeth Moore, and tons of other folks.

Anarchy by Errico Malatesta
Malatesta's now-classic introduction to the abolition of government. Next time somebody asks you why anarchists want to abolish the state, and how the abolition of said state could end in anything other than total chaos, give them this book…or better yet, read it yourself and build Malatesta's plan for a better future into your own!

States of Abuse CD by Entartete Kunst
I wasn't in to political hip-hop until I met Drowning Dog & DJ Malatesta of the Entartete Kunst collective. This album is still one of the all-around best introductions to what's happening in the international world of anti-authoritarian political hip-hop these days; it's not exhaustive, but it's a great listen and it includes a version of E.K.'s phenomenal "Class War" and two tracks from The Platform which, if you've never heard of, you should.

Lorna

Granny Made Me an Anarchist by Stuart Christie
Without a doubt, this is my favourite book right now. Stuart tells harrowing tales of his youthful adventures, including traveling from Britain to Spain where he intended to play a part in the assassination of Spanish dictator, Franco; going to jail for said intent; and being on trial for allegedly being involved with the Angry Brigade. It's both a history lesson and a really hilarious, vividly told story. I can't recommend it enough.

Anarchism and Other Essays by Emma Goldman
When I first read this book I was trying to learn more about different strains of feminism, and nothing I’d read really spoke to how I felt. A lot of feminist theory seemed to only be concerned with itself, and linking different struggles to the feminist one was not a priority at all. This book collects a great feminist’s thoughts on the suffragists, marriage, prison, patriotism, violence, culture, and of course, anarchism. It’s a great, great book.

Vegan Vittles by Joanne Stepeniak
This was prob the first vegan cookbook I bought, and it’s been well used and i guess, abused—the pages sticking together and disgusting. there are a lot of great, easy to follow recipes in here, and even 11 years into my veganism, there are recipes in here I still use. Let me just say “B”LTs. Actually…let me also say pastrami and onion dip. Mmmmm.

Some Recent Attacks: Essays Cultural and Political and Seven Stories CD by James Kelman
AK Press has put out a book and a spoken word cd by James Kelman. He’s a Scottish writer, who won the booker prize a few years ago (10?), but before that “fame,” he’d been writing for years—novels with working class heros, political and great. I recommend reading any of his stuff you can get your hands on, and here are two things to get you started. One his political essays, and the other a cd of him reading his stories.

Macio

Prisons on Fire by Freedom Archives
This CD presents a fantastic audio documentation of the powerful struggles and rebellions that took place within two major U.S prison institutions during the 1960s and 70s. In addition to the spine-tingling insight of beloved artists, activist, writers, community leaders and more Prisons On Fire intertwines the deeply-rooted inspirations of two movements occurring on opposite ends of this Turtle Island. Prisons On Fire is the first AK item to ever grace my eyes or ears and I am thankful to both Freedom Archives and AK Press for providing such a useful resource.

Juicy Mother-Celebration by Jennifer Camper (editor)
If you love queers and comics this is your jam. I had it for breakfast this morning.

The FBI War on Tupac Shakur and Black Leaders by John Potash
The title should speak for itself. But just in case: In the US today, majority of (if not all) the Hip/Hop, R&B;, and Rap music channeled to all communities is a strategic attempt to not only misrepresent Black and Brown people but to mislead communities of color down a spiral of degradation, separation and a misunderstanding of our power, history and glory. This book goes steps beyond holding racist music corporations responsible for such an over saturation of filth. This book illustrates the role the US government plays in the death of Hip Hop. Cointelpro, my friends, Cointelpro. Oh no, you thought it was over.

Selavi, That is Life by Youme Landowne
Too often the younger generations are left behind—in more ways then one. It is crucial to have children's stories and literature available that are cultural relevant, diverse, informative, and truly educational. Selavi, That is Life offers a inspiring story of migration, loss, and survival among children in Haiti. Let us stop feeding our children spoon-filled sugar-coated realities of all white towns, castles of hegemony, and heterosexist love, shall we?

Sisters of the Yam by bell hooks
The experiences of Black women are not to be lumped together in one big sum. However, hostility, prejudice, aggression, carelessness, and indifference persist in the treatment of Black women, globally. The history of Black women in the US has left us all a unifying struggle. In The Sisters Of The Yam bell hooks not only connects the experiences of black women to larger social and political structures, but provides the reader with empowering tools and encouraging words. I sent this book to my mom.

Free Comrades by Terence Kissack
I am proud to be working at AK Press for many reasons. Free Comrades is one of them. This book offers an important analysis I have not seen in any other publications.

Real Cost of Prison Comix by Lois Ahrens (editor)
The prison industrial complex and all its appendages is a far-reaching beast. Many analytical essays, dissertations, manuscripts and multimedia exist attempting to break down its functions and consequences. This comic offers the same type of analyzes accompanied by graphics. I appreciate the illustrations because its one more medium through which alternative education can be spread. You gotta check it out.

The Price of Fire by Ben Dangl
AK does it again!

Towards a Citizens' Militia by IRSM/1st of May Group
This is a tool. An inspiring read hopefully, but ultimately Towards A Citizens' Militia was created to aid those in direct battle with oppressive forces such as SWAT teams and pigs. Literature like this is really important. It reminds us that we have power and it is possible to exert it in defense of ourselves, and in attempts to overthrow government hierarchies. Along the same lines, I also recommend Don't Back Down! which lays out various offensive and defensive strategies and first aid techniques useful for street combat and hostile protest.

What We Want, What We Believe by Roz Payne/Newsreel Films (editor)
These DVDs (all four of them) are filled with amazing, rare footage documenting the strides of the Black Panther Party in Oakland. It chilled my bones.

Zach

Sacco and Vanzetti: The Anarchist Background by Paul Avrich
Do yourself a favor and read each and every one of Paul Avrich's books, but start with Sacco and Vanzetti. Read the true story behind the celebrated martyrs—and appreciate them more than ever.

Provo: Amsterdam's Anarchist Revolt by Richard Kempton
A quick, insightful read into the legendary Provos. A lengthier, more analytical study would be welcomed, but until that comes along we have this fine effort from Autonomedia to ponder.

The Blast: Complete Collection Of The Incendiary San Francisco Bi-Monthly Anarchist Newspaper by Alexander Berkman
A treasure trove from the days of yore. The urgency of the writings is what draws me into The Blast. Berkman & co. make revolution a viable and irresistible reality.

Prolegomena: To A Study Of The Return Of The Repressed In History by Clifford Harper
"Death to middle-class society and long live Anarchism!" August Vaillant, last words before being guillotined, February 5th 1894. This little gem has the rare ability to make you laugh while keeping your hatred sharp.

After The Deluge: A Novel of Post-Economic San Francisco by Chris Carlsson
Chris is a fun thinker, read his novel for an insightful journey into a complex utopian future.

For Workers' Power by Maurice Brinton
Workers' self-management is a cornerstone of any anti-capitalist strategy. Read all about it and more from a man who left the ranks of the leninist-derived left to champion libertarian socialism, and in turn help redefine anarchist commitments.

We, The Anarchists!: A Study Of The Iberian Anarchist by Federation (FAI) 1927-1937 Stuart Christie
If you want an accurate slice of anarchist history by an incredibly important figure from our movement check out We the Anarchists!.

Beer
Beer Speaks, People Mumble