Sewing Freedom: Philip Josephs, Transnationalism & Early New Zealand Anarchism

Description

Sewing Freedom is the first in-depth study of anarchism in New Zealand during the turbulent years of the early 20th century--a time of wildcat strikes, industrial warfare and a radical working class counter-culture. Interweaving biography, cultural history and an array of archival sources, this engaging account unravels the anarchist-cum-bomber stereotype by piecing together the life of Philip Josephs--a Latvian-born Jewish tailor, anti-militarist and founder of the Wellington Freedom Group. Anarchists like Josephs not only existed in the 'Workingman's Paradise' that was New Zealand, but were a lively part of its labour movement and the class struggle that swept through the country, imparting uncredited influence and ideas. Sewing Freedom places this neglected movement within the global anarchist upsurge, and unearths the colourful activities of New Zealand's most radical advocates for social and economic change.

Author description

Jared Davidson is an independent historian, a member of the Labour History Project and Kapito Books Workers' Co-operative. His first book, "Remains to be Seen: Tracing Joe Hill's Ashes in New Zealand," was published in 2011. Barry Pateman: Barry Pateman is the curator of the Emma Goldman Archive at the University of California Berkeley and edited AK Press's "Chomsky on Anarchism."