Overview:
“The Anarchist Cookbook” is one of the most controversial American books ever written. Written by William Powell in the year 1971, this book provides information on how explosives, basic telecom phreaking devices and other tools and weapons used in wars, are manufactured. After writing the book and publishing it, William Powell has himself mentioned in numerous websites and newspapers that it was a product which resulted from his youthful anger on the American government for sending people to fight the Vietnam War.
He has tried to remove the book from circulation but has failed because, at the time of its release, the book’s copyrights were taken out in the name of the publisher.
Controversial Relationship with Terrorism and Anarchism:
Numerous experts debate the book’s relationship with anarchism and terrorism. In the year 2007, a young British boy was taken into custody because he was found possessing this book and other potentially dangerous objects. However, he was cleared of all charges because the court declared that he was just a prankster who wanted to do some research on smoke bombs and fireworks. In the year 2010, a British truck driver with neo-Nazi leanings was imprisoned along with his son for allegedly possessing this book and using it for manufacturing ricin.
Cease in Publication:
When the book was released, the copyrights for it were taken out in the name of Lyle Stuart, who was the publisher. Lyle kept the publication alive till the time when the company was taken over by Steven Schragis. Schragis dropped the publication saying that the company had some responsibilities towards the public which it had to fulfill. He also added that the book possessed no positive social intent and there was no good in publishing it.
