Gramsci's Political Analysis A Critical Introduction [Hardcover]

In this new introduction to Antonio Gramsci's thought, James Martin reconstructs the central analytical themes of the Italian Marxist's famous Prison Notebooks : the 'organic' intellectuals, the relation between state and civil society, and the revolutionary party. The contemporary relevance of his concept 'hegemony' to the analysis of state legitimacy is critically considered and the limitations of Gramsci's historicist Marxism to understanding social complexity are outlined. The book will be of interest to undergraduates and teachers in the social sciences.Acknowledgements Note on References Introduction: Reading Gramsci Today Crisis and Response: Gramsci's Analysis 1915-26 Intellectuals and Political Leadership State, Civil Society and the Politics of Consent The Party as the 'Modern Prince' Hegemony and the Legitimation of the State Historicism and Politics: the Problem of Class Analysis Conclusion: Gramsci and Modernity Notes Italian/English Concordance Table Bibliography Index

'...an exciting new study of Gramsci's political thought... ...both expands our appreciation of Gramsci's achievements in political theory and sets a new interpretative frame around his texts.' - Terrell Carver, Professor of Political Theory, University of Bristol

'Martin has written an admirable book...he makes many telling points in a way which is accessible and readable.' - John Hoffman, Studies in Marxism

James Martin is Lecturer in Politics at the Queen's University in Belfast.