The Essential Emma Goldman was originally published in 1910 by Mother Earth Publishing Association as Anarchism and Other Essays. Emma Goldman (June 27, 1869 - May 14, 1940) was an anarchist known for her political activism, writing and speeches. She played a pivotal role in the development of anarchist political philosophy in North America and Europe in the first half of the twentieth century. Goldman was well-known during her life, described as-among other things-"the most dangerous woman in America". After her death and through the middle part of the 20th century, her fame faded.