Wilhelm Liebknecht on War & Revolution a translation

 

 

So its probably noticeable that the productivity on this blog has slowed considerably recently, and much of the focus has shifted to translations from Esperanto and its working class archives.  Apologies to any readers not in favour of this redirection. But I assure you the translations of brief articles and letters were leading to something. I've been able to translate several more substantial works that to the best of my knowledge have never appeared in English, including works by some prominent (at least in their day) socialist activists from multiple tendencies. I've decided to seriously consider publishing them in one form or another, and have made some progress with some very nice people. So far though, most of those projects are still being worked out, so there is still some chance of delays or unforeseen obstacles.

Though I'm happy to state that at least one project has been published and can be sent directly to your device of choice.

On Offence and Defence; a Speech on War & Revolution is my translation of a speech by the Socialist leader Wilhelm Liebknecht, recorded in the 1870s in the aftermath of the Paris Commune. It attacks nationalism, militarism and instead urges social revolution. It also expands into a general denouncement of industrial capitalism and rebukes many of the common anti-socialist talking points. It's aged rather well, all things considered. Please consider reading it if you're interested in political history and speech craft.