Colin Ward was one of the most significant thinkers and activists of the British anarchist movement in the twentieth century. He was a prolific journalist and had a historic and ongoing influence on political thought, most notably through his works on urban life, housing, squatters, children and criminology. Bringing together a range of historians, anthropologists and political theorists, this volume celebrates and analyses the influence of this uniquely approachable and creative form of anarchism.
Colin Ward was one of the most significant thinkers and activists of the British anarchist movement in the twentieth century. He was a prolific journalist and has a continuing influence on political thought, most notably through his works on urban life, housing, squatters, children and criminology.
This volume brings together a range of contributors to discuss Ward’s life and works. Issues discussed include: his contribution to the resurgence of anarchist journalism through War Commentary and Freedom; his impact on other activists; the relationship between his form of anarchism and the evolving New Left; how Ward’s ‘practical anarchism’ was influenced by the works of Peter Kropotkin; Ward’s Englishness; the contributions he made to British social policy in the post-war period; and his endorsement of the seemingly incompatible movements of social anarchism and lifestyle anarchism.
1. Introduction: Colin Ward (1924-2010) – Carl Levy
2. Colin Ward: Sower of anarchist ideas – Peter Marshall
3. ‘The man who knows his village’: Colin Ward and Freedom Press – Pietro Di Paola
4. Colin Ward and the New Left – David Goodway
5. Colin Ward and Kropotkin’s legacy – Brian Morris
6. Colin Ward: Anarchism and social policy – Carissa Honeywell
7. Colin Ward: Anarchy and organisation – Robert Graham
8. Social anarchism, lifestyle anarchism, & the anarchism of Colin Ward – Stuart White – FREE CHAPTER
‘Carl Levy’s collection celebrates the diversity of Ward’s interests and his influential contributions to a host of important debates. The essays also show how Ward bridged anarchist traditions, anticipated contemporary concerns without rejecting the past, and developed radical perspectives fearlessly to make policy proposals.’
Ruth Kinna, Professor of Political Theory, Loughborough University
,
‘Colin Ward’s approachable, creative and balanced way of thinking is admirably introduced in this readable collection. It covers all the main themes one would wish for: biographical background, intellectual influences and relevance to today’s policymakers. For those who still need prodding, it should amply demonstrate that Ward’s ideas remain among the most appealing of those marginalised by the long-standing dominance of statism in our public imagination.’
Alastair J. Reid, Fellow and Director of Studies in History, University of Cambridge
