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Living My Life, Vol. 1: Autobiography: 001
by
Emma Goldman
Anarchist, journalist, drama critic, advocate of birth control and free love, Emma Goldman was the most famousand notoriouswoman in the early twentieth century. This abridged version of her two-volume autobiography takes her from her birthplace in czarist Russia to the socialist enclaves of Manhattan's Lower East Side. Against a dramatic backdrop of political argument, sho
...more
Kindle Edition
,
529 pages
Published
October 11th 2012
by Dover Publications
(first published January 1st 1931)
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Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
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896)
When reading this, it is often suggested to make sure to read it as the life of a speaker and activist, not as a philosophical or theoretical masterpiece.
I however believe Goldman's theoretical contributions are also invaluable. It is important to realize that the exposition of Goldman's theories in this book are developmental, as it is an autobiography. The book clearly and in a detailed way show how Goldman progresses from more infantile ideals to more complex. In fact, by the end of the book ...more
I however believe Goldman's theoretical contributions are also invaluable. It is important to realize that the exposition of Goldman's theories in this book are developmental, as it is an autobiography. The book clearly and in a detailed way show how Goldman progresses from more infantile ideals to more complex. In fact, by the end of the book ...more
Aug 27, 2011
Natalie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction
,
biographical
I very, very rarely get seriously into a biography/autobiography. I've almost always just found them boring. This one is a glaring exception to that rule.
Goldman's writing is engaging and interesting. Plus, her story is just so dang FASCINATING. This woman was involved in some serious stuff; it is amazing to read about all the radicals she worked with, how they lived their lives, how they related to one another. I am enthralled by her descriptions of what it was like to speak to a roaring crowd ...more
Goldman's writing is engaging and interesting. Plus, her story is just so dang FASCINATING. This woman was involved in some serious stuff; it is amazing to read about all the radicals she worked with, how they lived their lives, how they related to one another. I am enthralled by her descriptions of what it was like to speak to a roaring crowd ...more
EG is a total badass. Love her. Few people are as true to their convictions as she. A free spirit, an idealist, an intellectual, and a fighter, EG is a pretty good writer to boot. In her autobiography she not only chronicles the details of her polemic public life, but also intimately bares her internal struggles with the tensions and contradictions between her intellectual principles and her heartfelt emotions. It is sometimes hard to believe that this is not the stuff of fiction.
Mar 02, 2009
Michael
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anarchists, History Students
Recommended to Michael by:
Laure Akai
This book is Part One of a memoir of the "notorious" (or famous) Emma Goldman, a Russian-Jewish anarchist active in New York City and other parts of the US in the late 19th and early 20th century. Goldman masterfully brings the period and her political activities to life, drawing even a critical reader in to the fascinating world of immigrant activism and agitation. Goldman made extensive use of letters and newspaper clippings, as well as other primary sources, to refresh her memory of dates and
...more
Volume 1: Emma's turbulent life (1869-1940)is spell binding. Her admirable determination and strong fighting spirit enabled her to travel about and lecture during the 20th century as an anarchist and feminist. She spent time in prison for her efforts and her strong beliefs.
She tells her life story here, how she lectured wherever she could, when she could, in many parts of the world. She dealt with a maize of stumbling blocks. Her fight for free speech was continual. Often her efforts were based ...more
Great autobiography by an extraordinary woman. Not only a gripping read but also works as a great history book of early workers rights activism in the united states. Interesting how freedom of speech was so suppressed during this period (end of 1800 and the beginning of 1900). Is also gives a picture of early 20th century international political history. Will definitely read Vol 2.
Aug 15, 2009
Artnoose Noose
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
women in particular
When my friends and I go around in a circle and say how they got into anarchism, I say through this book. I read it when I first moved away to the big city, and it was the perfect book to read at that time. Changed my life, although would you believe I never did get around to reading volume 2?
*** More recent review: I reread this for the monthly anarchist reading group here in Pittsburgh, and it was my first time reading it in 15 years. I had marveled at Emma's remarkable life when I was in my v ...more
*** More recent review: I reread this for the monthly anarchist reading group here in Pittsburgh, and it was my first time reading it in 15 years. I had marveled at Emma's remarkable life when I was in my v ...more
Goldman's style is simple but compelling; I went out in search of the second volume immediately after finishing the first.
It's fascinating to see the labor disputes and political issues of the late 19th century/early 20th from her perspective, and if you want a real taste of the many ways in which the US has used incredible physical force to punish those with 'unconventional' ideas, it would be hard to find as interesting a collection as Goldman amassed throughout her life.
The part I'd recommend ...more
It's fascinating to see the labor disputes and political issues of the late 19th century/early 20th from her perspective, and if you want a real taste of the many ways in which the US has used incredible physical force to punish those with 'unconventional' ideas, it would be hard to find as interesting a collection as Goldman amassed throughout her life.
The part I'd recommend ...more
I can't believe it took me so long to read this given that I love autobiographies and this one is regarded as such a classic. Maybe the length of Emma's work made me apprehensive. Anyways, reading about her life was pretty incredible and insightful, and fulfilled my desire to read about anarchist history in a way that wasn't boring. I was particularly engrossed by how much detail she provides on her relationships, but this seamlessly weaves in and out of her anarchism. And she lived with two lov
...more
Apr 08, 2008
Spicy T AKA Mr. Tea
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
anarchism
,
feminism
,
history
,
labor
,
philosophy
,
reproductive-rights
,
auto-biographical
What an amazing life! And I'm only have way through! This is an incredible read. What strikes me is that in my encounters with people talking about Emma Goldman--people who haven't read her actual work or those that simply repeat what they have heard from others--is how she is usually cornered into one essential archetype; what I love about reading these volumes is running into the contradictions and the consistencies in her own work and life and how not even Emma Goldman was a perfect human. Ot
...more
Jan 22, 2014
Carmilla Voiez
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
female-sexuality
,
non-fiction
An awe inspiring read. The witty and conversational style of Emma Goldman's autobiography cannot mask what an intelligent and amazing woman she was. Ahead of her time, in fact probably ahead of our time, she was a pioneer in politics and the women's movement. With commentary on the historically important events of her time this book is both enchanting and educational with more than a slight bias away from the more traditional and institutionally approved texts. I look forward to getting my hands
...more
This is a long and involved read; it is also an excellent one. Emma Goldman had a singular personality, and the list of her accomplishments is incredible. There is a lot to digest in this book, including the lot of immigrants in late-19th century America; the history of the anarchist movement; and the difficulties that a strong-minded woman met growing up at this time.
I really enjoyed this, and I look forward to reading the second volume next year.
I really enjoyed this, and I look forward to reading the second volume next year.
wonderful person, amazing life and book!
really interesting and packed with lots of historical events surrounding anarchy. not a masterpiece but a very important book and a fun page turning as well. i'm looking forward to volume 2!
Jun 20, 2007
HeavyReader
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anarchist, feminists, historians
Shelves:
anarchy
This is a dense autobiography which somehow manages to be both intersting and nap inducing. Maybe it's the 19th century writing style that put me to sleep. Maybe i was overwhelmed by the large number of pages in this book (and this is only volume 1!). In any case, through sheer force of will, I read the whole thing.
My father gave me this autobiography when I was 13. For better or worse it has shaped my entire life
This is one of the most beautiful revolutionary perspectives from the Industrial Age. What Emma Gloldman and Alexander Berkman were propelled to do in the name of social change is the stuff of fairy tales.
This is one of the most beautiful revolutionary perspectives from the Industrial Age. What Emma Gloldman and Alexander Berkman were propelled to do in the name of social change is the stuff of fairy tales.
Dec 15, 2012
Robert
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
history-radical
,
ci-540
High school. This book is written as an autobiography and covers the life of Emma Goldman. The language of the book is extremely passionate and written in a descriptive and approachable language. This book would be used during a contemporary U.S history course for labor and immigration issues.
Nov 14, 2010
Mirza Sultan-Galiev
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
anarchism
She traveled around the country, had a lot of boy toys and best of all, had nothing insightful to say about class, race or settler colonialism in America (read her complaints about black prisoners in a work otherwise totally devoid of a examination of race and cringe).
Red Emma's detailed and authentic account of her remarkable and courageous life. Volume 1, of course, covers her her earliest years and the formative experiences that launched her as the USA's most "infamous" radical. It's impossible not to love her and this work.
one of the books that changed my life. although i don't agree with everything emma did or said, she was so inspirational and strong. and definitely lived HER life. which not a lot of us can say about ourselves.
Emma Goldman is an amazing orgnanizer and speaker, and this book mostly chronicles her peronal experiences and journals. Great reading, but unfortunately doesn't include many of her speeches.
everyone should read both volumes of this book. It gives you a ringside glimpse at some of the most important political events of the 20th century.
inspiring for any woman (or anyone) who wants to act out of passion, not obligation. Here's a woman who lived her life that way.
I love this book for its wonderfully dramatic writing style, sucha delightful product of its time.
Captivating. Couldn't put it down. Emma's writing draws me in like no other.
Autobiography of Emma Goldman was a riveting read.
She's just the best. Read it.
Changed the course of my life.
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Emma Goldman was a feminist anarchist known for her political activism, writing and speeches. She played a pivotal role in the development of anarchist political philosophy in North America and Europe in the first half of the twentieth century.
Born in Kovno in the Russian Empire (present-day Kaunas, Lithuania), Goldman emigrated to the US in 1885 and lived in New York City, where she joined the bu ...more
More about Emma Goldman...
Born in Kovno in the Russian Empire (present-day Kaunas, Lithuania), Goldman emigrated to the US in 1885 and lived in New York City, where she joined the bu ...more
