Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist

'Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist' is Alexander Berkman's autobiographical account of his 14-year imprisonment for an attempted assassination of an industrialist. As an anarchist activist, he hoped to awaken the oppressed American people's consciousness, but his political intent was misunderstood by fellow prisoners and society. Berkman's memoir reads like a diary, tracing his coming-of-age and loss of youthful idealism in prison. His self-imposed distance and moral high ground crumble as he recognizes the flawed humanity in himself and others, including his relationship with fellow anarchist Emma Goldman. The book also notably discusses homosexuality in prison, making it an important political text on the topic. This classic memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in anarchist literature, political violence, and prison reform.