Down with the Law

Selected writings from France's anarchist individualist movement, emphasizing the anti-authoritarian potential of individuals finding freedom in their daily lives.

Primarily known for its inspiring history of mass uprisings and revolutions, France was also, in the first years of the 20th century, the home of a vibrant, varied, and active anarchist individualist movement, which included figures like Albert Libertad, Emile Armand, André Lorulot, and the young Victor Serge. Skeptical about the possibility of the victory of a working-class revolution, they believed that rather than wait for that hypothetical event it was up to each individual to make his or her own revolution in their daily life in the here and now, refusing to accept any of society’s rules and constraints and insisting on the need to live in accordance with one’s values. While these writings have been given short shrift by English-language historians of French anarchism and radicalismDown with the Law provides a wide range of voices from within this neglected movement, including a first-hand account of life among the members of the Bonnot Gang.

Introduction

1. Albert Libertad
The Carrion Cult
To the Resigned
Down With the Law!
Fear
Spineless Meat

2. Emile Armand
Is the Anarchist Ideal Realizable?
Principal Tendencies and Theses of the “Unique” Center
On Sexual Freedom
What is an Anarchist?
Is the Illegalist Anarchist our Comrade?

3. Marius Jacob
Why I Stole

4. André Lorulot
Who Are We? What Do We Want?
The Imbecilic Crowd

5. Han Ryner
Anti-patriotism
Mini-Manual of Individualism

6. Georges Palante
Individualism
The Relationship Between Pessimism and Individualism
The Future of Pessimism and Individualism

7. Victor Serge
The Communards
A Head Will Fall

8. Rirette Maîtrejean
Memories of Anarchy