Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist

"Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist" by Alexander Berkman is an autobiographical exploration of a man's fourteen-year journey through the prison system, as he grapples with his identity as an anarchist and revolutionary. The memoir dives into Berkman's deep critiques of early 20th century societal and penal systems, revealing their profound injustices, especially in the context of the labor movements and fair treatment of the working class. Beginning with the backdrop of the Homestead strike of 1892, Berkman recounts his emotional response to the violence and oppression surrounding the event, and sets in motion his commitment to take direct action against figures like Henry Clay Frick in an attempt to ignite a revolutionary movement. Woven throughout his narrative is Berkman's unwavering belief in an anarchist ideal founded on justice, equality, and mutual aid, which sustain him through the myriad challenges of his incarceration.