Samizdat refers to a form of clandestine publishing that emerged in the Soviet Union and other authoritarian regimes during the 20th century. It involved the self-publishing and distribution of literature, often critical of the government, using typewriters and photocopiers. This underground movement allowed dissidents to share their ideas and challenge censorship. The term itself comes from the Russian words for "self" and "publishing." Samizdat works included political essays, poetry, and banned books, enabling a network of readers and writers to communicate and resist oppressive regimes. It played a crucial role in the cultural and political dissent of the time.