Jean Grave and the Networks of French Anarchism, 1854-1939

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xv

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2. Introduction: A Networking Anarchist

   • Constance Bantman

   Pages 1-15

3. The Making of an Anarchist (1854–1885)

   • Constance Bantman

   Pages 17-45

4. A Sedentary Transnationalist (1885–1892)

   • Constance Bantman

   Pages 47-76

5. A Philosopher Among Criminals: Grave and The Era of Propaganda by the Deed (1892–1894)

   • Constance Bantman

   Pages 77-105

6. The Perils of Mainstreaming? (1895–c. 1905)

   • Constance Bantman

   Pages 107-144

7. The Limitations of Print Activism (1905–1918)

   • Constance Bantman

   Pages 145-177

8. “Dreaming of Reorganising”: Isolation and (Self-)Memorialisation (1918–Present)

   • Constance Bantman

   Pages 179-209

9. Conclusion: The Binding Ties of Anarchism

   • Constance Bantman

   Pages 211-213

10. Back Matter

    Pages 215-243

    PDF

 This biography charts the life and fascinating long militant career of the French anarchist journalist, editor, theorist, writer, campaigner and educator Jean Grave (1854-1939), from the run up to the 1871 Paris Commune to the eve of the Second World War. Through Grave, it explores the history of the French and international anarchist communist movement over seven decades: its “heroic period” (1880-1890s), shaken by terrorist violence and intense repression, the emergence of syndicalism, national and international solidarity campaigns, the divisions over the First World War, and post-war division and relegation. Through Grave, a “sedentary transnationalist,” the study investigates the networked and transnational organisation of the anarchist movement, addressing the paradox of Grave’s international influence alongside his deep rootedness in Paris by emphasizing the movement’s global print culture and staggering circulations.

• First World War
• Anarchism, anarchy, anarchist
• Transnational networks
• Activism
• French anarchist movement
• Print culture
• Relational activism
• Philosophy

“Grave and his publications were central to transnational networks of international anarchism in the prewar era. … this important book documents the central role of networks in the anarchist movement and the central role that Grave and his publications played in those networks at the turn of the century.” (Jon Bekken,H-Net Reviews, h-net.org, May, 2022) ‘Constance Bantman's lively account of the 'Pope of Anarchism', Jean Grave, captures Parisian and international anarchism before the shattering blows of the First World War. Painters, plotters and poets flowed through the newspaper office of this 'sedentary' transnational anarchist. Mountainous first-rate research is turned into an enjoyable read in this book.’

—Carl Levy, Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK

• School of Literature and Languages, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK

  Constance Bantman

Constance Bantman (FRHistS) is a former student of the Ecole Normale Supérieure and a Senior Lecturer in French at the University of Surrey, UK. She has published extensively on anarchist transnationalism, with a focus on France and Britain, and is the author of The French Anarchists in London 1880-1914. Exile and Transnationalism in the First Globalisation (LUP, 2013).

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