Wobblies!

Wobblies!:A Graphic History of the Industrial Workers of the World

  • Paperback

A vibrant history in graphic art of the Industrial Workers of the World

The stories of the hard-rock miners’ shooting wars, young Elizabeth Gurly Flynn (the “Rebel Girl” of contemporary sheet music), the first sit-down strikes and Free Speech fights, Emma Goldman and the struggle for birth control access, the Pageant for Paterson orchestrated in Madison Square Garden, bohemian radicals John Reed and Louise Bryant, field-hand revolts and lumber workers’ strikes, wartime witch hunts, government prosecutions and mob lynching, Mexican-American uprisings in Baja, and Mexican peasant revolts led by Wobblies, hilarious and sentimental songs created and later revived—all are here, and much, much more.
The IWW, which has been organizing workers since 1905, is often cited yet elusive to scholars because of its eclectic and controversial cultural and social character. Wobblies! presents the IWW whole, scripted and drawn by old-time and younger Wobbly and IWW-inspired artists.
Contributors include Carlos Cortez (former editor of the Industrial Worker), Harvey Pekar (author of American Splendor), Peter Kuper (MAD’s Spy vs. Spy), Sue Coe, Seth Tobocman, Chris Cardinale, Ryan Inzana, Spain Rodriques, Trina Robbins, Sharon Rudahl, and the circle of artists for World War 3 Illustrated.

Reviews

  • Tell the bosses to go to hell and buy an extra copy of this wonderful history. Give it to an exploited friend or just leave it in a public place. On the centenary of the IWW, we should be replanting the seeds of rebellion.

    Mike Davis
  • Wobblies! is a magnificent commemoration of the IWW centenary. The book reminds us that the Wobbly way of direct action and solidarity is as relevant today as it’s ever been. Get hold of the book, share it, and then go take on your boss.

    Daniel Gross
  • When I was in graduate school, we longed for “Classic Comics” of some of our more inaccessible historical tomes. Paul Buhle and Nicole Schulman have gone way beyond that with Wobblies! A Graphic History. Carefully researched, interesting, informative and accessible, this book could not be more timely.

    Sara Paretsky