The Antonio Gramsci Reader: Selected Writings 1916-1935

One thing becomes very clear when reading Gramsci, regardless of what you may think or believe about his politics: he possessed a brilliant mind...and that is precisely why Mussolini and co. famously wished to "stop this mind from working..." The fascist regime was toast intellectually as long as left wing thinkers such as Gramsci were free to analyse Italian history and politics.In my understanding Gramsci puts to rest the common notion that Fascism and Communism were/are one in the same, or at least inevitably can lead to similar types of repressive societies. Gramsci causes that argument to quickly crumble because his thinking is creative and wishes the same for others. One gets the feeling that he believed that people should be free to figure out for themselves what sort of society and culture they want to live in. He represents a much more varied picture of leftist thought than other more hard-line, though no less important or interesting, thinkers such as Lenin or Trotsky. He realized how liberating free thought could be and, despite the many trials throughout his life, never gave up on that quest both for himself and for future generations.

Very pleased with book and seller.

He endorses dictatorship and I have the impression his insights regarding ideology and culture are pedestrian while he unfortunately is not very clear in expressing basic concepts. Much of it sounds like marxist gobley gook. It must be said, however, that Gramsci seems to have been a man with real integrity who gave his life to the struggle for human freedom and dignity. If youwrit REALLY know Italy in the period he was writing, I'm sure I would stand corrected in my assessment of his lack of ability to convey clearly.

Excellent read.

An interesting read on a person that history should study more.

The book arrived on time and in new shape. As far as the contents are concerned, it should be required reading for those of us not leftists. Gramski wrote the rules by which some people live and fool others. Those being fooled already may consider it a handbook; others should use it as an antidote.

For study purposes

This was about the most laborious read I have ever encountered. If you want to learn something about Gramsci as he deals with Neo-Marxism, stay away from this book. There's nothing relevant in it. It's a snoozer.

excellent

A must read book!

Reader are better than other translated books, especially when original author uses complex language, which usually gets lost in translation

Timely delivery, and in excellent condition. An an invaluable addition to the library of any social scientist. Excellent choice of excerpts and wonderfully formatted.