This anthology brings to light the richness of the pamphleteer tradition in France, between the 16th and 20th centuries. Though satirists and pamphleteers have emerged out of various political backgrounds down through the centuries, what they have in common is irreverence, courage and insubordination to all forms of power. Among them: Blanqui, Bloy, Desmoulins, Libertad, Proudhon, Rivarol, Séverine Vallès and Zo d'Axa.
At a time when freedom of expression is increasingly questioned, Daniel Cosculluela wanted to resurrect the fighting spirit of those who acted and wrote, often at the risk of their lives. Many of these fighters for freedom of speech and thought had to flee their countries to avoid prison or assassination.
The author wanted to engage in a dialogue with those who live on through our thoughts, dreams and revolts. His choices are personal, but the writers selected have all played a major role in the movement of ideas which inspire, consciously or not, the commitment and the choises of millions of men and women today.
