About the book: the antonio gramsci reader: selected writings 1916-1935 the most complete one-volume collection of writings by one of the most fascinating thinkers in the history of marxism, the antonio gramsci reader fills the need for a broad and general introduction to this major figure antonio gramsci was one of the most important theorists of class, culture, and the state since karl marx his influence has penetrated beyond the left and his stature has so increased that every serious student of marxism, political theory or modern italian history must now read him