Steal This Book

About “Steal This Book”

In 1967, a book titled "F--k The System" was published privately under the pseudonym George Metesky by Abbie Hoffman, a political theater artist. It served as the prototype for a 1971 expanded version called "Steal This Book," published by Grove Press through Pirate Editions. Both books aimed to help political radicals avoid detection by authorities. "Steal This Book" was divided into three sections: Survive!, Fight! and Liberate!. It provided resources from the late 1960s for free food, clothing, transportation, education, medical care, and communication. The book also included specific information for New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, as well as a list of "other books worth stealing." Topics such as draft dodging, woodworking, legal aid, and locksmithing were covered. "Steal This Book" was Hoffman's fourth book, following "F--k The System," "Revolution For The Hell Of It," and "Woodstock Nation."