The Philosophy of Punk - The History of a Cultural Revolt Book (by Craig O'Hara)

The standard US work on the history of punk and hardcore

The book gives newcomers and connoisseurs a well-founded insight into the essence of punk, into the 'philosophy' behind the movement. Author Craig O'Hara, a precise connoisseur of the scene, addresses questions about the relationship between punk, politics and anarchy, examines the ambivalent relationship between punks and skinheads, describes the fanzine scene, and dedicates a separate chapter to gender relations in punk.

Of course, music is also well-covered. The US-American scene in particular, from classics like Black Flag and Minor Threat to the more recent hardcore and Riot Grrrl movements, is presented in detail with original quotes and numerous illustrations.

Translated from American English by Edward Viesel.

The Press

»Every page exudes the wild spirit and sweat of the cramped clubs and makes it clear that punk is indeed a philosophy. That's why the book is not just about the music, but also about political utopias, gender relations, the 'do it yourself' idea and finally about the so-called sell-out of the scene. This makes The Philosophy of Punk itself a piece of living punk history.« (Aktiv Musikmagazin)

»Topics such as sexism or skinheads are addressed in chapters, as are the straight edge scene or the anarchist mindset of most punk activists in general. Thus, the book becomes an easily readable overview of a very versatile scene, a read that should be made mandatory especially for journalists, social workers and teachers.« (Enpunkt)

»Overall, this is a very in-depth study of punk values, and how punk looks out towards the straight world. I feel it is excellent for understanding punk, especially the highest ideals that it has aspired to obtain.« (Maximum RocknRoll on the original edition)

»The standard work on the history of punk music ...« (aktuell-Zeitung für die Bundeswehr)

Table of Contents

• WHY PUNK. Comparison with previous artistic movements. Some distinguishing features of punk.
• MISREPRESENTATIONS IN THE MEDIA. How television, glossy magazines and blunt mass media have done their best to tame the wild beast.
• SKINHEADS AND RACISM. Who they are, where they come from and what they have to do with punk
at all.
• COMMUNICATION WITHIN THE MOVEMENT. Fanzines – from the copier directly into the underground.
• ANARCHISM. An alternative to existing systems. What it is and why it has been adopted by punks around the world. The failure of "bought" politicians has paved the way for a counterculture that holds the view that it would be better without these bloodsuckers.
• A QUESTION OF GENDER. Sexism, feminism and lived homosexuality.
• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ECOLOGY. Ideas and techniques from "Earth First", "A.L.F." and others that have found a home in the punk scene.
• STRAIGHT EDGE. A movement that went from a "minor threat" to a conservative, conformist sect.
• DIY – Do It Yourself
• Bibliography