# Emma Goldman

> Russian-born American anarchist (1869–1940)

**Wikidata**: [Q79969](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q79969)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Goldman)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/emma-goldman

## Summary
Emma Goldman was a Russian-born American anarchist (1869–1940) known for her advocacy of anarchism, women's rights, and labor movements, and for her influential writings on these topics, including the essay collection *Anarchism and Other Essays* and the autobiography *Living My Life*.

## Biography
- Born: June 27, 1869
- Nationality: Russian-born American
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Advocacy of anarchism, women's rights, and labor movements; influential writer and activist
- Employer(s): Associated with Mother Earth magazine (owner/editor), lecturer, journalist, publisher
- Field(s): Anarchism, journalism, women's rights activism

## Contributions
- Authored the autobiography *Living My Life*, a first-person account of her life as an anarchist and activist.
- Wrote the essay collection *Anarchism and Other Essays* (1910), which outlines her philosophical views on anarchism and individual freedom.
- Published the memoir *My Disillusionment in Russia* (1923), a critical reflection on her experiences during the Russian Revolution.
- Co-founded and edited the anarchist magazine *Mother Earth* (1906–1917), which served as a platform for anarchist ideas.
- Acted as a lecturer and public speaker, traveling extensively to advocate for her principles.

## FAQs
- What were Emma Goldman's most significant literary works? She authored the autobiography *Living My Life*, the essay collection *Anarchism and Other Essays* (1910), and the memoir *My Disillusionment in Russia* (1923).
- What was her primary role or identity? She was a Russian-born American anarchist, journalist, lecturer, and publisher, known for her advocacy of anarchism and women's rights.
- Which magazine was she associated with? She was the owner and editor of the anarchist magazine *Mother Earth* from 1906 to 1917.
- What was her influence on later movements? Her ideas on anarchism and women's rights influenced later activists and thinkers, contributing to the development of modern feminist and labor movements.

## Why They Matter
Emma Goldman's work was pivotal in shaping the American anarchist movement and advancing women's rights. Her writings provided a theoretical foundation for anarchism and practical guidance for activists, challenging traditional power structures and advocating for individual freedom and social equality. She inspired generations of activists, including those involved in the labor movement and the women's suffrage movement, and her legacy continues to influence contemporary discussions on anarchism and social justice.

## Notable For
- Author of the influential essay collection *Anarchism and Other Essays* (1910).
- Writer of the autobiography *Living My Life*, which detailed her life as an anarchist and activist.
- Editor and owner of the anarchist magazine *Mother Earth* (1906–1917).
- A prominent advocate for women's rights and labor rights, influencing the development of modern feminist thought.
- Influenced by and influenced key figures in the anarchist movement, including Peter Kropotkin and Mikhail Bakunin (as listed in related entities).

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Emma Goldman was born on June 27, 1869, in Kovno, which was then part of the Russian Empire (now Kaunas, Lithuania). She was the daughter of a Jewish family and experienced early hardship, including the death of her father when she was young. These experiences shaped her later radical views on social and economic inequality.

### Career as an Anarchist and Activist
Goldman immigrated to the United States in 1885 at the age of 16. She quickly became involved in the labor movement and the growing anarchist movement. Her role as a lecturer and public speaker was central to her work, as she traveled extensively to give talks on anarchist principles and women's rights. She was known for her passionate and persuasive oratory style.

### Literary Contributions
Goldman was a prolific writer and author. Her most famous work is the autobiography *Living My Life*, which chronicles her life from childhood to her activism in the early 20th century. This work provides a first-hand account of her experiences as an anarchist and her interactions with other prominent figures in the movement. In 1910, she published *Anarchism and Other Essays*, a collection of essays that outlines her philosophical views on anarchism, individual freedom, and the role of women in society. This book became a seminal text in anarchist literature. Later, in 1923, she wrote *My Disillusionment in Russia*, a critical memoir of her experiences during the Russian Revolution, which she found to be a disappointment as it did not live up to her anarchist ideals.

### Association with Mother Earth Magazine
A key part of Goldman's career was her involvement with the anarchist magazine *Mother Earth*, which she co-founded and edited from 1906 to 1917. The magazine served as a platform for anarchist ideas and was influential in spreading the movement's message to a wider audience. It published articles by other notable anarchists and activists, contributing to the growth of the movement in the United States.

### Influence and Legacy
Goldman's influence extended beyond her writing and activism. She was a key figure in the women's rights movement, advocating for birth control and women's suffrage, which were radical ideas at the time. Her work helped to bridge the gap between anarchism and feminism, showing how the two movements could intersect. She influenced many later activists, including labor leaders and feminist thinkers. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment for her beliefs, Goldman remained committed to her principles until her death on May 14, 1940, in New York City. Her legacy continues to be studied for its insights into social justice and individual liberty.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Catalog of the German National Library
3. Emma Goldman: A Documentary History of the American Years
4. NNDB
5. LIBRIS. 2018
6. American Women Writers
7. [Source](https://npgallery.nps.gov/pdfhost/docs/NHLS/Text/97000343.pdf)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
12. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
13. [Source](http://hdl.handle.net/10622/ARCH00520)
14. [Source](https://archives.nypl.org/mss/1168)
15. Find a Grave
16. Emma Goldman: An Intimate Life
17. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
18. Proleksis Encyclopedia
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. [Source](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL2983647W/Living_my_life)
21. [Source](https://openlibrary.org/books/OL6527268M/Anarchism_and_other_essays)
22. [Source](https://openlibrary.org/books/OL7023874M/My_disillusionment_in_Russia)
23. [Source](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL2983639W/My_further_disillusionment_in_Russia)
24. [Source](http://www.elisarolle.com/queerplaces/pqrst/Stella%20Cominsky%20Ballantine.html)
25. [Source](http://www.dadaweb.de/wiki/Emma_Goldman)
26. [Source](https://www.agspak-buecher.de/G-Notz-Hg-Wegbereiterinnen-Beruehmte-und-zu-Unrecht-vergessene-Frauen-aus-der-Geschichte)
27. Autoritats UB
28. BBC Things
29. Quora
30. Carnegie Hall linked open data
31. Dizionario di Storia
32. Golden
33. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands