Writing Labor’s Emancipation

"Three major contributions of Hall’s study stand out. First, it challenges the trope of the violent anarchist, and explains anarcho-syndicalism and anarchist communism, appealing to Fox and others who valued the power of organized workers. Second, it highlights activists’ logistical work to keep organizations and publications afloat. Volunteer labor, problem-solving, failure, and redirection are part of such struggle. Third, the book underscores the power of writing as a vehicle for making sense of the world, for oneself and others. Fox demonstrated that in his correspondence and articles, and Hall does so in his approach. His research is impressive, and he excels in framing a quote to integrate it into an argument."

"Fox has not been given his appropriate due. This book about an activist willing to change with the times is exactly what was missing from the historical record."

"Superb. Hall's study of Fox contributes a great deal by tracing the working-class rootedness of anarchism and the importance of anarchism in the history of American labor."

"Jay Fox bore witness to the most consequential labor events of his era. This long-needed study of his life sheds light on anarchist thought, the radical press, and labor organizing during a tumultuous time."

"Greg Hall’s wonderful and meticulously researched book restores this forgotten anarchist to his rightful place at the center of American radical history."