This book was compiled from three interviews I conducted with Noam Chomsky in the Boston area on December 16, 1992 and January 14 and 21, 1993, which were then edited and revised. (A few lines were added in November, 1993.)

My questions appear in boldface. We've tried to define terms or names that may be unfamiliar the first time they occur.These explanations appear [in square brackets].

Tapes and transcripts of hundreds of Chomsky's interviews and talks -- and those of many other interesting speakers -- are also available. For a free catalog, call 303-444-8788 or write me at 2129 Mapleton, Boulder CO 80304.

David Barsamian

Noam Chmsky was born in Philadelphia in 1928. Since 1955, he's taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he became a full professor at the age of 32.

A major figure in 20th-century linguistics, Chomsky has also written many books on contemporary issues (see pp. 87-89). His political talks have been heard, typically by standing-room-only audiences, all over the country and the globe, and he's received counteless honors and awards.

In a saner world, his tireless efforts to promote justice would have long since won him the Nobel Peace Prize, but the committee keeps giving it to peole like Henry Kissinger.

Arthur Naiman