Steal This Book (50th Anniversary Edition)

This is a great book. That’s pinnacle to the heart beat of the 60’s counter culture.

Although very dated it is also very relevant. The ‘Yippies’ felt as though the government did not reflect or represent them and this is a mission statement of dissent. It is the spirit of discontent and disobedience in a society that is alive to individual that makes this relevant reading today and should be part of the standard educational curriculum.

Hoffman was a genius for writing this book. Although most (though not all) methods put forth by this book are outdated, this book is still very interesting and useful. He talks about how to make molotov cocktails, pipebombs, how to street fight (for self defense), demonstrating, getting free food, and how to rip off payphones. I think its time for a new revised edition, though. This book also portrays the culture of the 1960's Vietnam era. It is full of interesting pictures. Buy this book, or better yet, steal it from your local barnes and noble I really like Hoffman because he brought humor and fun into the struggle. I suggest you also read his autobiography

don't buy this book, anyone who buys it does not have what it takes to read it, get it here and read online! http://www.tenant.net/Community/steal/steal.html

Abbie Hoffman was an inspiration to a generation - and a darn good writer, to boot!! The original tradebook size publication was a LOT easier to decipher than this smaller sized printing - but all the tricks and treats are still there, i.e.: "those ridiculous free introductory or subscription type letters that you get in the mail often have a postage guaranteed return postcard for your convenience. The next one you get, paste it on a brick and drop it in the mailbox. The company is required by law to pay the postage. You can also get rid of all your garbage this way." The attitude is refreshing - even now, after all these years!!

Abbie Hoffman's "Steal This Book" is generally a survival guide on how to live in the U.S. that is divided into 3 parts. The first chapters on how to get free stuff is brilliant. Some ideas in order to gain free service or items area so ironic, you'd probably not think of it yourself. In section two, Hoffman describes how to take action against oppression and what to prepare for. Bomb making, first aid, and the introduction to new common sense is delivered straight from the mind of Hoffman. The third section is the shortest, but if you happen to live in the big urban and metropolitan areas, it locates address and phone numbers on where to get free stuff in a more specific sense overall toward the book. Even if "Steal This Book" is mainly outdated, it comprises on a guide to a life in the U.S. and words of wisdom he used and recommends.

What Abbie Hoffman accomplished that so few revolutionaries did was to take the entire concept of rebellion and uprising and turn it inside out with humor and fun. He understood the pure insanity behind the fighting that turns brother against brother and neighbor against neighbor. Abbie realized the potential of "Protest as Theatre," and took that concept to a new extreme. Nowhere is that more apparent than in this classic book.Abbie was an American Rebel, Robin Hood, and Groucho Marx all rolled in to one, but most of all he was just Abbie Hoffman -- an incredibly unique human being.Too bad there are no rebels like Hoffman, Rubin, and the Black Panthers anymore. This country is going to hell, and all we do is stare at the TV screen. Abbie, we need you!