Index card 011 - Books about books
Anarchism and edition as a political project by Mauricio Gómez
Anarchism has been getting a lot of lousy fame in recent years. Anyone dressed in black, with their face covered, protesting will be called an “anarchist” even when only a few people identify as one. Traditional media has been trying to relate the words “Anarchism” and “terrorism” frighteningly. And yes, some people, those who are discontent about economic issues, homelessness, social security, lack of helpful health programs, etc., think that violence is an effective way to pressure the government, but I can hardly see how this relates to Anarchism. According to David Graeber, Anarchists are “simply people who believe human beings are capable of behaving in a reasonable fashion without having to be forced to.” This idea collides with the usual notion of chaos and lack of organization related to Anarchism.
And what does it has to do with books? Some of the most important Anarchist values like autonomy, decentralization, and self-education relate closely to books and their power. Why are all the academic papers locked with a price for an investigation that has been already paid for? How can essential books survive in an editorial industry governed by bestsellers and a market economy? Shouldn’t books help us create a more fair and equal world? The answers to these questions are widely explored in this brilliant essay by Mauricio Gómez. Aside from the critic of the current editorial issues, Mauricio opens the door to new kinds of projects: Tumbona Ediciones in Mexico, Open Humanities Press in the US, and Traficantes de Sueños from Spain, as an example of possible models outside the current industry.
Anarchism and edition as a political project are sixty pages of pure delight; and the reminder of something obvious: knowledge should be free, for all, no strings attached.
The free edition I’m sharing is in Spanish, but I’m hoping I can find someone who helps me translate it into English, someone who, like me, believes that other realities are not only possible but in the tips of our fingers.
︎︎ Read Anarchism and edition as a political project
And what does it has to do with books? Some of the most important Anarchist values like autonomy, decentralization, and self-education relate closely to books and their power. Why are all the academic papers locked with a price for an investigation that has been already paid for? How can essential books survive in an editorial industry governed by bestsellers and a market economy? Shouldn’t books help us create a more fair and equal world? The answers to these questions are widely explored in this brilliant essay by Mauricio Gómez. Aside from the critic of the current editorial issues, Mauricio opens the door to new kinds of projects: Tumbona Ediciones in Mexico, Open Humanities Press in the US, and Traficantes de Sueños from Spain, as an example of possible models outside the current industry.
Anarchism and edition as a political project are sixty pages of pure delight; and the reminder of something obvious: knowledge should be free, for all, no strings attached.
The free edition I’m sharing is in Spanish, but I’m hoping I can find someone who helps me translate it into English, someone who, like me, believes that other realities are not only possible but in the tips of our fingers.
︎︎ Read Anarchism and edition as a political project
