Banner of the Anichrist | Enzo Martucci

Written in postwar Italy between 1948 and 1949 and first published in 1950, Banner of the Antichrist is a blazing manifesto of radical individualism and atheistic defiance. As fascism crumbled and Cold War tensions rose, Enzo Martucci rejected not just political tyranny but every authority-religious, moral, familial, or social-that dares to chain the individual.

Inspired by Max Stirner, Friedrich Nietzsche, and the ancient Cynics, Martucci champions a freedom born of instinct, egoism, and revolt. He weaves anthropology, theology, and philosophy into a searing critique of justice, moral law, and both capitalist and communist systems. His anarchism flies the black banner yet stands apart from Marxist or collectivist ideals, unyielding in its solitary vision.

This English edition revives the full 1950 text, including Martucci's clashes with fellow anarchists, assaults on Christianity, and a fierce call to cast off masters and illusions. A historical snapshot of mid-century libertarian fire, Banner of the Antichrist defies labels. It provokes not to shock, but to demand that even in the freest societies, the individual bows to no one but themselves.

This is a companion to The Red Sect.

REVIEW:
This is the first time this book by notorious egoist-insurrectionary-anarchist Martucci has been translated into English. As could be assumed by the title, a great deal focuses on bashing religion and Christianity. But he was on a different forked path than modern atheists, as he is not simply materialist, nor does he deny the possibility of concepts like pantheism.
Martucci wrote this immediately after the Fascist period, directly calling out the church with many specifics. The term "anti-Christ" was likely inspired, at least in part, by Nietzsche. Martucci attacked many sacred things besides religion, including morality, justice, and progress.
He was an original edgelord, with taboos attacked seemingly tailor-made to make readers uncomfortable. Some essays, like "The Holy Family," targeted not only family but also the incest taboo, resulting in conclusions that could be more peculiar than profound.
In 1950, his original publisher described him as having "the face of a Lucifer escaped from Hell." Reading this book, you can see why. He clearly enjoyed playing the role of the diabolical.

--Asymmetrical Anti-Media, Issue 18 / Spring 2025.