https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/peter-h-marshall-demanding-the-impossible. evaluate
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Here’s a balanced evaluation of Peter H. Marshall’s Demanding the Impossible: A History of Anarchism:
Strengths
- Unparalleled breadth and thoroughness: Covering more than two millennia of anti-authoritarian thought—from Taoism, Buddhism, Greek philosophy, early Christianity, through to Proudhon, Kropotkin, Goldman, and 20th‑century movements—Marshall delivers one of the most expansive accounts of anarchism ever attempted Reddit+15PM Press+15library.bathspa.ac.uk+15.
- Accessible yet scholarly: Though dense (over 800 pages), reviewers praise its clarity and depth, valuing Marshall’s ability to distill complex ideas and biographies for general readers PM PressPM Press.
- Sympathetic yet critical: Marshall clearly identifies as an anarchist, yet does not shy away from exploring contradictions—such as Proudhon’s sexism or Bakunin’s secretive tendencies—lending credibility to his balanced approach PM PressPM Press.
- Newest movements included: The updated edition includes an epilogue surveying post-anarchism, anarcho-primitivism, and the intersection of anarchist ideas with global justice, environmental, and peace movements Reddit+7library.bathspa.ac.uk+7Barnes & Noble+7.
Criticisms
1. Over‑inclusive definition of anarchism
Marshall’s broad definition—as anyone opposing external authority and the state—means that thinkers like Camus, Nietzsche, Gandhi, Burke, Rousseau, and even anarcho‑capitalists are included in the anarchist genealogy PM Press.
Some reviewers feel this dilutes the coherence of anarchism as a political tradition:
“Lao Tzu as an anarchist? … Marshall attempts to assimilate any earlier thinking … resulting in nonsense such as the claim that Lao Tzu is the first Anarchist” RedditAmazon+2Reddit+2Reddit+2.
“He uses an overbroad definition … Any Tom, Dick or Harry in Medieval France who questioned the King gets a short entry” Reddit.
2. Geographical imbalance
With around 700+ pages covering Europe and North America and only a small portion addressing Asia and Latin America, the global picture feels underdeveloped, especially given recent research on anarchist movements beyond the West PM Press.
Community Sentiment (Reddit)
Readers on forums like r/Anarchism and r/Anarchy101 often recommend it as the most comprehensive general history:
“By far the best general history of anarchism is Demanding the Impossible by Peter Marshall.” Reddit+2Reddit+2Reddit+2Wikipedia+15Reddit+15Reddit+15
Yet many caution readers about its inclusiveness and length:
“It’s good… just pick and choose interesting parts. The ‘Forerunners’ section covering Taoism and Christianity … is interesting.” Reddit.
Who Should Read This?
Ideal For
- Readers seeking a huge historical sweep, from ancient ideas to modern anarchist movements.
- Those interested in how anarchism overlaps with broader libertarian, environmental, and global justice thought.
- Anyone wanting a well‑researched reference that can serve as a gateway into specific anarchist thinkers or regions.
Less Suitable For
- Readers looking for a strictly defined anarchist canon, focused on classic left‑wing anarchists.
- Those wanting concise, focused histories of specific geographic regions or time periods.
- People uncomfortable with the inclusion of non‑anarchist thinkers under the anarchist banner.
Summary Table
| Feature | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Scope | Monumental: spans millennia and diverse currents |
| Depth | Scholarly yet readable; dense and detailed |
| Definition of “Anarchism” | Very broad—encompasses many non‑traditional figures |
| Global coverage | Weighted toward Europe/North America |
| Tone | Enthusiastic, well‑referenced, tempered with critique |
Final Verdict
Demanding the Impossible remains perhaps the most ambitious and wide‑ranging history of anarchist ideas in print. It offers unparalleled scope and organized scholarship suitable for both newcomers and experienced readers. But its loose definition of “anarchism” and Western bias may disappoint those seeking a tighter or more traditional account of anarchist political theory and movements.
If you’re looking for global balance or a focused account of self‑declared anarchists only, you may want to supplement or contrast it with works like Ruth Kinna’s The Government of No One or region‑specific histories.
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