Sunday, July 29, 2001
"The Anarchist," by Daniel A. Coleman (Willowbrook Press, September 2001).
A century ago, the United States was poised to enter a new era as a global power, bringing a heady mix of democracy and capitalism to the peoples of the world. But not all Americans agreed that their country was a suitable model for others.
Exactly 100 years ago this fall on Sept. 6, 1901, anarchist Leon Czolgosz shot and fatally wounded President William A. McKinley in Buffalo, NY. Little is known of the Czolgosz's life and motivations. Also largely forgotten is the political movement whose philosphy seemed to inspire his deed.
"The Anarchist," a historical novel, seeks to shed light on Czolgosz's life and times, as well as spark a discussion of the philosophy of anarchism.
Black-clad protestors, like Czolgosz claiming to be anarchists, are widely blamed for instigating riots that disrupted the World Trade Organization talks and shut down major cities from Seattle to Davos to Quebec.
Coleman is a long-time political columnist and activist who founded the Green Party in North Carolina.
"The Anarchist" will be released on the centenary of President William McKinley's assassination on Sept, 6. Coleman will speak about the life and times of Czolgosz at 6:30 p.m. that night at the McKinley Memorial Library in Niles.