Experiment in Anarchy

Experiment in Anarchy is a non-fiction book by R. M. Graves, published in 1949 by Victor Gollancz in London.

Summary

The book is an account of Graves's experience as the last British Mayor of Jerusalem during the final, tumultuous years of the British Mandate for Palestine. He served as chairman of the British Municipal Commission of Jerusalem from June 1947 to April 1948, a period of escalating violence and political chaos. The book is based on his diary, which he called "the Mayor's Log," and offers a firsthand look at the administrative and human challenges of trying to maintain order as the Mandate system collapsed. The title, Experiment in Anarchy, reflects his view of the situation at the time, which he described as an "experiment" that devolved into a state of disorder and lawlessness.

About the Author

R. M. Graves (Richard Massie Perceval Graves, 1880-1960) was a British civil servant and author. He spent over 30 years in various administrative roles in the Middle East, primarily in the Department of Labor of the Palestine Government. He is also notable for being the older brother of the famous poet and novelist Robert Graves.