Socialism and Philosophy. Introduction by Paul Piccone

Originally written between 1897 and 1899 as a series of long letters to Sorel, this book provides an account of socialism that was studiously ignored by both the Second and Third Internationals. It includes the previously unavailable "Fourth Essay," revealing Labriola's rejection of the Marxist theory of history and the beginning of a radical interpretation of Marxism later elaborated by the Frankfurt School. The extensive introduction by Paul Piccone proposes an important new reading of Labriola as qualitatively different from mainstream Second International Marxism, viewing his work as crucial for understanding the development of Gramsci and the tradition of Italian Marxism as well.