Abstract

This is the first comprehensive overview of the work of Murray Bookchin, the left-libertarian social theorist and political ecologist who is widely regarded as the visionary precursor of anti-corporate politics.

Bookchin's writing spans fifty years and engages with a wide variety of issues: from ecology to urban planning, from environmental ethics to debates about radical democracy. Weaving insights from Hegel and Marx, Kropotkin and Mumford, Bookchin presents a critical theory whose central utopian message is 'things could be other than they are'.

This accessible introduction maps the evolution of Bookchin's project. It traces his controversial engagements with Marxism, anarchism, critical theory, postmodernism and eco-centric thought. It evaluates his attempt to develop a social ecology. Finally, it considers how his thinking relates to current debates in social theory and environmentalism, critical theory and philosophy, political ecology and urban theory.

Offering a clear account of Bookchin's key themes, this book provides a critical but sympathetic account of the strengths and weaknesses of Bookchin's writing.
'White brings his immense scholarship and acute analytical skills to bear in both bringing to life and critically situating Bookchin's vision in the context of contemporary thinking'
Professor Ted Benton, Department of Sociology, University of Essex
'Offers an insightful, scholarly and balanced account of the intellectual journey and achievements of Murray Bookchin, one of the towering figures of modern radical political thought and action'
Dr. John Barry, School of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy, Queen's University Belfast
'An excellent book - brings to life Bookchin the man and his work for a new generation of readers'
Professor Noel Castree, School of Environment and Development, Manchester University
'A sophisticated and considered work that exhibits a genuine rare critical engagement with the intricacies of Bookchin's thought'
Professor Mike Smith, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada.