Emma Goldman was among the most notorious American radicals of the early 1900s. She was imprisoned for complicity in the assassination of President McKinley--even though she had nothing to do with it--and was also arrested numerous times for addressing public gatherings and "inciting to riot." Eventually, Goldman was deported from the United States during World War I for her opposition to the draft.

As an anarchist, Emma believed that government was violent and unnecessary, and devoted her life to fighting against oppressive laws and ideas. Initially insecure about appearing in public, she became known as one of the most charismatic speakers in the country, speaking out passionately for workers' rights, free speech, free love, birth control, prison reform and pacifism, among other issues.

I dig E.G. for her passion, her commitment and determination, the way she continued growing and evolving throughout her life, and for her insistence on enjoying herself. Her books are fun, too. --esther