Originally published in 1974, this book examines the nature of the commune movement, its members and the communal activities in which they are involved. It explains the forces in 20th Century society that moved people to form and join communes. The author investigates the claim made by many commune members that the commune represents a viable alternative institution to that of the nuclear family, and considers the relevance of the commune movement as a revolutionary social movement aimed at the creation of an alternative society.