Rarely-Covered Biography of a Founding Socialist-Anarchist
Tom Goyens, Johann Most: Life of a Radical (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, December 9, 2025). Softcover: $29.95. 266pp.
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“Known best for articulating the propaganda of the deed, Johann Most” (1846-1906: German-American) “was and still is caricatured as a radical fanatic… Rediscovers the complexities that animated the German American agitator and made him a pivotal figure in the development of anarchism in the US and socialism in Germany.” It is strange that this entire blurb never mentions Marxism. Most did not develop these branches, but rather followed Karl Marx and Engel: one of his early pieces was a summary of their earlier work. Most spread these ideas as a newspaper-editor and theory-applying politician. In the body of this book, Goyens explains that when Most adopted socialism starting in 1867, it was a fringe idea. This ignores the fact that Marxism successfully inspired the 1848 revolutions across Europe: so, it was pretty popular since that point: it just was resisted by European mainstream parties because it argued against them inflexibly, until a softer socialism emerged with Most. Goyens does mention the other predecessor: Michail Bakunin “Championed anarchism as an alternative to Marx’s vision of state socialism”. Though Marx’s ideal communism was not state-control: state-control was supposed to be only a step to later achieve a utopia of complete equality under pure-communism. I think Goyens exaggerates Most’s contributions in such references and in this blurb without offering evidence to support these claims. Most was important, but relatively little has been previously written about him because he was a minor-player.
“Most galvanized workers through passionate speeches and writings that showcased his gifts as a performer, satirist, and rhetorician. Numerous challenges, including repeated convictions for his incendiary rhetoric, failed to curb his organizing or his efforts to foster a dedicated network of comrades that included Emma Goldman, Alexander Berkman, and his common-law wife, Helene Minkin.” I searched for “convicted” to understand just what he was sentenced for. In 1869, he might have been among “several labor leaders… arrested and convicted” among “meetings” in Vienna’s socialist-movement (31). A more specific reference indicates: “On July 19, 1870, Johann Most, along with Oberwinder, Andreas Scheu, and Johann Pabst, was convicted of high treason, leading to a commotion in the courtroom. Most received a sentence of five years, which included one mandatory fast day each month, and he faced expulsion upon completing his term. The grounds for his conviction included his intention to distribute Socialist Party membership cards, his use of inflammatory language, and his knowing involvement in a subversive group” (39). This is a succinct, detailed, and useful clarification. I could not have asked for more detail. And the source for this description is properly cited.
“Goyens details Most’s essential contributions to the anarchist movement while also highlighting his critique of religion and defense of science within emancipatory movements. As Goyens follows Most’s ideological journey, he illuminates the political contexts that shaped the anarchist’s evolving views on revolutionary action and social change.” If I had to look up details as I researched this review, most readers (including specialists in socialism, communism, and related ideologies) will be equally curious and puzzled by just who Most was, what he did, and why his biography is rarely clearly depicted, unlike other contributors to this cause. It is especially relevant to study political descent in our current political-climate. The failure of multiple convictions to suppress a radical editor is certainly an inspiring narrative that deserves to be widely read. Thus, I recommend this book for acquisition by most types of libraries. And researchers of this subject should find much to learn from, even if they (like me) disagree with some of the claims or arguments.
--Pennsylvania Literary Journal: https://anaphoraliterary.com/journals/plj/plj-excerpts/book-reviews-summer-2025/

In Johann Most: Life of a Radical, historian Tom Goyens delivers a focused and well-researched biography of one of the most polarizing figures in 19th-century revolutionary politics. The book follows Most from his early years in Germany through his ideological transformation from socialist parliamentarian to anarchist agitator, charting the trajectory of his radicalism across two continents. Goyens places Most’s life in rich historical context, addressing the political turbulence of post-unification Germany, the rise of various socialist and anarchist factions, and the transatlantic exchange of revolutionary ideas. The book is organized chronologically and thematically, allowing readers to trace both the personal and political development of its subject with clarity.

I found the biography impressively detailed without becoming overly academic or dense. Goyens strikes a good balance between historical depth and readability. As someone who knew little about Johann Most beforehand, I appreciated how accessible the book was — it never assumed expertise, yet still offered a nuanced look at his role in shaping radical thought. One of the strongest aspects of the book is how it handles Most’s shifting ideology within the broader swirl of 19th-century leftist movements. The sections on Germany’s fractured political left, and the interplay between socialism, anarchism, and exile politics, provided a strong foundation for understanding not just Most, but the world that shaped him. While the pacing slows in places, the insight it offers into political evolution, communication strategy, and activist identity is consistently rewarding.

Thanks to NetGalley and University of Illinois Press for providing an advance copy.