Marie Louise Berneri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marie Louise Berneri
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| Born |
Maria Luisa Berneri
1 March 1918 Arezzo, Italy
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| Died | 13 April 1949 (aged 31) London, England
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| Education | The Sorbonne |
| Movement | Anarchism |
| Spouse(s) |
Vernon Richards
(m. 1937) |
| Parents |
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| Relatives | Giliane Berneri (sister) |
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Marie Louise Berneri (born Maria Luisa Berneri; 1 March 1918 – 13 April 1949) was an important writer and activist. She believed in anarchism, a political idea where people govern themselves without a main ruler or government.
Marie Louise was born in Italy. She lived in Spain, France, and England for much of her life. She helped create and write for several publications. These included Revision, Revolt, War Commentary, and the newspaper Freedom. She also wrote for Spain and the World.
One of her most famous books is Journey Through Utopia. It explores ideas about perfect societies. This book was first published in 1950. Another book, Neither East Nor West, shares some of her best writings.
Contents
Marie Louise Berneri's Early Life
Marie Louise Berneri was born in Arezzo, Italy. She was the older daughter of Camillo Berneri and Giovanna Berneri. In 1926, her family had to leave Italy. They went into exile because they stood up against Benito Mussolini, a powerful leader.
In 1936, her father, Camillo, went to Spain. He joined the fight against fascists in the Spanish Civil War. Sadly, he was killed by political opponents in 1937. Marie visited Barcelona twice, once after her father's death. Around this time, she lived in France. She studied psychology at The Sorbonne, a famous university in Paris.
Her Work as an Anarchist
In late 1937, Marie Louise married Vernon Richards. He was also an active anarchist. They worked together on many of the same groups and publications.
In April 1945, Marie Louise was one of four editors of War Commentary. She had helped start this publication. They were put on trial for "incitement to disaffection." This meant they were accused of encouraging soldiers to disobey orders. Because her husband was also on trial, Marie Louise was found not guilty. A special rule said a wife could not plan against the government with her husband.
When her three friends were sent to prison, Marie Louise took charge. She made sure the newspaper kept going after the war.
In 1948, she went to the first international anarchist meeting in Paris. She was part of the group from Britain. Her mother and sister, Giliane Berneri, also attended. They were part of the Italian and French groups. Marie Louise was praised for her pamphlet Workers in Stalin's Russia (1944). This writing spoke out against the leader Stalin. She also helped share the ideas of Wilhelm Reich in Britain.
Marie Louise Berneri's Death and Legacy
In December 1948, Marie Louise gave birth at home. But her baby sadly died soon after. Marie Louise herself died on April 13, 1949. She was only 31 years old. She passed away from a viral infection.
She was cremated, and her ashes were spread in a park in north London. Her friends created the Marie Louise Berneri Memorial Committee. In 1949, they published a book called Marie Louise Berneri, 1918 – 1949: A Tribute.
In 1950, her book Journey Through Utopia was published after her death. In 1952, the memorial committee published Neither East Nor West. This book was a collection of her articles from War Commentary.
George Woodcock and Ivan Avacumovic wrote a book about Peter Kropotkin. It was called The Anarchist Prince (1950). They dedicated this book to Marie-Louise Berneri. They called her "a true follower of Kropotkin."
Marie Louise Berneri's Writings
- Peter Kropotkin: His Federalist Ideas (1922)
- Workers in Stalin's Russia (1945)
- Journey Through Utopia (1950)
- Neither East Nor West: Selected Writings 1939–1948 (1952)
See also
In Spanish: Marie Louise Berneri para niños
