cover of episode The Anarchist Cookbook: Funny but Dangerous

The Anarchist Cookbook: Funny but Dangerous

2024/10/15
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The Anarchist Cookbook, published in 1971, gained notoriety for its compilation of instructions on everything from drug manufacturing to bomb making. Authored by William Powell at the age of 19, the book reflected his turbulent upbringing, marked by bullying, social alienation, and a backdrop of anti-Vietnam War sentiment.
  • William Powell, author of The Anarchist Cookbook, had a troubled childhood and adolescence, experiencing bullying and social isolation.
  • The book was written against a backdrop of anti-Vietnam War protests and the fear of being drafted.
  • Powell's intention was to empower the "silent majority" with knowledge he believed necessary to challenge the government.
  • The Anarchist Cookbook was published by Lyle Stewart, who recognized its controversial nature and effectively promoted it.

Shownotes Transcript

You might have owned the Anarchist Cookbook once, but you probably didn’t use it to turn a shotgun into a grenade launcher or build a bomb. Unfortunately some people did and the author called for this book of “forbidden knowledge” to be taken out of print.

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