Fervent Freedom Fighters

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.