In 1871 in Paris, an extraordinary revolutionary experiment took place. For 72 days the city's poor took control of Europe's greatest capital. Today we see a growing disillusionment with professional politicians across the advanced industrial democracies. The Commune offers a vibrant alternative based on mass participation and direct democracy. Donny Gluckstein looks at the Commune's achievements, the many dilemmas it faced and its tragic outcome. But this is more than just a history book. Drawings on the experience of the Commune, Donny seeks to illuminate contemporary debates about democracy, the state and revolution.