Free Software, Free Society

This collection includes historical writings such as The GNU Manifesto, which defined and launched the activist Free Software Movement, along with new writings on hot topics in copyright, patent law, and the controversial issue of "trusted computing."

Stallman takes a critical look at common abuses of copyright law and

patents when applied to computer software programs, and how these

abuses damage our entire society and remove our existing freedoms. He

also discusses the social aspects of software and how free software

can create community and social justice.

Given the current turmoil in copyright and patent laws, including

the DMCA and proposed CBDTPA, these essays are more relevant than

ever. Stallman tackles head-on the essential issues driving the

current changes in copyright law. He argues that for creativity to

flourish, software must be free of inappropriate and overly-broad

legal constraints. Over the past twenty years his arguments and

actions have changed the course of software history; this new book is

sure to impact the future of software and legal policies in the years

to come.

Lawrence Lessig, the author of two well-known books on similar topics,

writes the introduction. He is a noted legal expert on copyright law

and a Stanford Law School professor.