Hardback
Political Creativity
Antonio Gramsci on Political Transformation
9781035316212 Edward Elgar Publishing
For several decades, Antonio Gramsci has been one of the most studied and discussed political theorists; however, his originality as a political thinker has not yet been fully understood. In this incisive book, Sakari Hänninen explores Gramsci’s political theory of transformation and posits that he was altogether too creative a thinker to be simply categorized as an adherent of a certain school of thought or tradition.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
For several decades, Antonio Gramsci has been one of the most studied and discussed political theorists; however, his originality as a political thinker has not yet been fully understood. In this incisive book, Sakari Hänninen explores Gramsci’s political theory of transformation and posits that he was altogether too creative a thinker to be simply categorized as an adherent of a certain school of thought or tradition.
Following Gramsci’s own advice to trace the stable and permanent elements of a thinker’s intellectual development in statu nascendi, Hänninen argues that Gramsci’s thinking was distinct and superior to the material he studied. Chapters examine the central question of his exilic writing in prison: political, historical and societal transformation – generated by struggle and strife giving birth to something qualitatively new and unforeseen – as a pluritemporal ‘becoming’ rather than unilinear development. The book further investigates Gramsci’s modal analysis of political transformation moving from Marxian necessity to Machiavellian opportunity.
Political Creativity: Antonio Gramsci on Political Transformation will be an enlightening read for students and scholars in the fields of political, social and historical science, particularly political theory, cultural studies and European politics. Its insights will also benefit political and civic activists, civil society agencies and think tanks.
Following Gramsci’s own advice to trace the stable and permanent elements of a thinker’s intellectual development in statu nascendi, Hänninen argues that Gramsci’s thinking was distinct and superior to the material he studied. Chapters examine the central question of his exilic writing in prison: political, historical and societal transformation – generated by struggle and strife giving birth to something qualitatively new and unforeseen – as a pluritemporal ‘becoming’ rather than unilinear development. The book further investigates Gramsci’s modal analysis of political transformation moving from Marxian necessity to Machiavellian opportunity.
Political Creativity: Antonio Gramsci on Political Transformation will be an enlightening read for students and scholars in the fields of political, social and historical science, particularly political theory, cultural studies and European politics. Its insights will also benefit political and civic activists, civil society agencies and think tanks.
Critical Acclaim
‘Sakari Hänninen’s Political Creativity is an extraordinarily instructive textual encounter between Gramsci’s writings – which he presents comprehensively and with nuanced attention to detail – and his own, a contrapuntal writing style that challenges traditional reading practices and solicits fresh insights into Gramsci’s intellectual and political legacy. The book is an outstanding contribution not only to Gramsci studies but also to the craft of doing political theory.’
– Michael J. Shapiro, University of Hawai’i, Manoa, US
‘Sakari Hänninen''s new book delightfully stirs up important insights about how Antonio Gramsci creatively imagined how to rethink political possibility. It is a whirlwind of important ideas that helps the reader understand that Gramsci''s visionary thinking was grounded in practical political reality. It is a must read for activists and scholars alike.’
– Sanford Schram, Hunter College and Graduate Center, City University of New York, US
– Michael J. Shapiro, University of Hawai’i, Manoa, US
‘Sakari Hänninen''s new book delightfully stirs up important insights about how Antonio Gramsci creatively imagined how to rethink political possibility. It is a whirlwind of important ideas that helps the reader understand that Gramsci''s visionary thinking was grounded in practical political reality. It is a must read for activists and scholars alike.’
– Sanford Schram, Hunter College and Graduate Center, City University of New York, US
Contents
Contents:
Preface
Introduction to political creativity in situations of historical
transformation, structural change and social struggle
1 In prison – exile
2 On intellectuals as mediators
3 With Hegel beyond Hegel
4 Struggle for objectivity
5 From philosophy to politics
6 Politics of transformation
References
Preface
Introduction to political creativity in situations of historical
transformation, structural change and social struggle
1 In prison – exile
2 On intellectuals as mediators
3 With Hegel beyond Hegel
4 Struggle for objectivity
5 From philosophy to politics
6 Politics of transformation
References
