At the Café: Conversations on Anarchism is a classic defence of anarchism written in Malatesta’s common sense and matter-of-fact style.

‘Even if many notable socialists have attempted and still attempt to oppose socialism to anarchism, the truth is that, if socialism means a society or the aspiration for a society in which humans live in fellowship, in which the well being of all is a condition for the well being of each, in which no one is a slave or exploited and each person has the means to develop to the maximum extent possible and to enjoy in peace all the benefits of civilization and of communal work, not only are we socialists, but we have the right to consider ourselves the most radical and consistent socialists.’

While Errico Malatesta was hiding from the police, he regularly went to a cafe in Ancona, Italy. He had shaved off his usual beard but he was still taking a risk. Especially as this wasn’t an anarchist café, but had a variety of customers including the local policeman. The conversations Malatesta had in this café became the basis for the dialogues that make up this now classic anarchist book. He sets out and critically analyses the arguments for and against anarchism.

Translated by Paul Nursey-Bray, At the Café: Conversations on Anarchism would anticipate the rise of nationalism, fascism and communism.

Publisher: Freedom Press
This Edition: 2005
Format: Book
Binding: Paperback
Interior: Black & White
Pages: 157
ISBN: 9781904491064