Edition: Reissue
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Random House Inc
Date Published: 1989
ISBN-13:9780679721130ISBN:0679721134
Description: New. This primers tells the "have-nots" how they can organize to achieve real political power for the practice of true democracy. read more
Edition: Reprint
Binding: Trade Paperback
Publisher: Vintage Books; Random House, New York
Date Published: 1989
ISBN-13:9780679721130ISBN:0679721134
Description: Fine. 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall. xxvi, 196 pp.; 21 cm. AS NEW. "The father of modern community organization, Saul Alinsky taught a generation of activists and politicians how to effectively construct social change. In Rules for Radicals, Alinsky writes with passion and intelligence, carefully outlining 'the difference between being a realistic radical and being a rhetorical one. ' Indispensable since its first publication in 1971, this book continues to inform and inspire all those who believe that ... read more
Binding: Trade paperback
Publisher: Vintage Books USA
Date Published: 1989
ISBN-13:9780679721130ISBN:0679721134
Description: New. No dust jacket as issued. Brand New! Support Radical Independent Pacific Northwest Booksellers! Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 224 p. Audience: General/trade. Alinsky is that rarity in American life, a superlative organizer, strategist, and tactician who is also a social philosopher. Charles E. Silberman He cannot be bought; he cannot be intimidated; and he breaks all the rules. The Economist (London) I consider him to be one of the few really great men of our century. Jacques ... read more
"Essential reading for understanding political discourse. A Political Science 101 for organizers but also a meta-narrative on communication and social interaction. He covers the most basic principles that are lost to the apolitical world of today with ideas like "egos and compromising are necessary for any sort of progress".
The references to the language of the sixties is a bit outdated, but it definitely gives a better impression of the 60s - that the popularity of radicalism was amazing for progressive causes like Alinsky's but the onslaught of simple-minded slogan-chanting (e.g. "Off the Pigs") was a detriment to every side and much more prevalent than I had ever imagined."
"Wow! Alinsky really did admire Lucifer, the original radical "who was rewarded for his efforts with a kingdom of his own."
He also was quite practical about working in the American political system, which he acknowleged allows the freedom to use the tactics he used in ways that the Soviet system abd other tyrannies would not.
The book is full of class envy, Alinsky liked the political system a lot more than the economic one; it has a dated, irrellevant, almost "quaint" feel to the rhetoric, like watching Woodstock the movie.
His examples of civil disruption techniques are puerile, even silly: having 100 African American activists attend the Rochester, NY symphony, and sit in the orchestra section after having eaten a 3 hour pre-co0ncert meal consisting only of baked beans!
Oh, the Sound and the Fury (odor)!!! Sounds kind of like Revenge of the Nerds III.
On the other hand, his 13 rules are great. Very practical and useable. They will make me a better "community organizer."
This was a seriously flawed, distructive person who had a gift of insight into the operation of the American political system.
"If you want insight into the tactical mind of President Obama, this will launch you into a world that most of us have never even contemplated. But Obama has and still does.
Must reading for understanding what is happening to you and what is about to change your world profoundly."
"I must start my review by saying that I am not a fan of politics. In fact, it's on my "hate" list. So, reading a book about politics is the last thing I want to do. Nevertheless, I soldiered on and read most of this book. I can't say I enjoyed the experience. However, Alinsky definitely had some valuable things to say. The problem was that he's very cynical so that has to be taken into account. Also, as one of my book club members said, frequently he's a jerk and makes that apparent. It's also necessary to realize that the book was written in the 70s during the height of the Vietnam War and the end of the "hippie" movement. Most of the book club members felt that the book was very interesting and important, if a bit dated."
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