A ground-breaking new book, 'Sewing Freedom: Philip Josephs,
Transnationalism & Early New Zealand Anarchism' by Jared Davidson, has just
been launched in Wellington, New Zealand.
'Sewing Freedom' is the first in-depth study of anarchism in New Zealand
during the turbulent years of the early 20th century—a time of wildcat
strikes, industrial warfare and a radical working class counter-culture.
Interweaving biography, cultural history and an array of archival sources,
this engaging account unravels the anarchist-cum-bomber stereotype by
piecing together the life of Philip Josephs—a Latvian-born Jewish tailor,
anti-militarist and founder of the Wellington Freedom Group. Anarchists
like Josephs not only existed in the ‘Workingman’s Paradise’ that was New
Zealand, but were a lively part of its labour movement and the class
struggle that swept through the country, imparting uncredited influence and
ideas. 'Sewing Freedom' places this neglected movement within the global
anarchist upsurge, and unearths the colourful activities of New Zealand’s
most radical advocates for social and economic change.
"'Sewing Freedom' works on several levels. It is a meticulous biography, a
portrait of an era, a sophisticated discussion of anarchist philosophy and
activism, and an evocation of radical lives and ideas in their context.
This beautifully-executed book tells an important story in New Zealand’s
political history." - *Chris Brickell, Associate Professor of Gender
Studies at Otago University and author of Mates and Lovers*
Published by AK Press (USA/UK), the book includes rich illustrations by
Alec Icky Dunn (Justseeds), and a foreword by Barry Pateman (Kate Sharpley
Library, Emma Goldman Papers).
A visual sampler of the book, and New Zealand orders, are available via
www.sewingfreedom.org.
RRP: NZ$15
ISBN: 9781849351324
Paperback
176 pages