AUTHOR: José Antonio Emmanuel
PUBLISHER: Libros del Zorro Rojo
GENRE: Children’s Nonfiction
READER’S NAME: Jennifer Bovell
DATE: June 1, 2021

This book was written in 1931 by Jose Antonio Emmanuel. This author's real name was Jose Ruiz Rodriguez, and the book was first published under another pseudonym, Max Bembo. A side note that American audiences might find interesting is that he was Pablo Picasso's first cousin.

Jose Antonio Emmanuel was a teacher and philanthropist, and an avowed anarchist and follower of Francisco Ferrer. Ferrer is referenced in the book and was famous for his radical anarchist activities in Spain, from which sprouted an educational (Modern School) and political movement that only grew stronger after his execution in 1909 on charges of inciting insurrection.

This text sets out to rationally enumerate to children the reasons why anarchy is a superior system of government and society. An introduction explains to parents and educators that the material can be learned by anyone, but the focus is clearly on educating children. There is an initial comparison to militarism, clericalism, and capitalism, and why anarchy rises above these systems. The book then proceeds to explain the ways through which anarchy can be reached, namely schools, unions and reading rooms. The last section details the ten tenets of anarchy, among them help, imitating beauty, labor, love, and not holding slaves.

Overall, the presentation of anarchy as a highly-preferred societal function is the singular focus of the book. This focus could very well be read as propaganda by anyone not familiar with the philosophy, and even be perceived as offensive and an affront to American ideals, particularly in the present political climate. While the ten principles of anarchy are positive ones and are widely held in multiple belief systems, it seems doubtful that American parents in general would be pleased with their children coming home with this book. What's more, the language renders as old-fashioned ("dear children"), if not downright obsolete. Considering that the book's audience is geared towards children, it appears unlikely to transfer easily to modern US readership, unless an updated modern translation were to be endeavored.