Marxism and Historiography: Contesting Theory and Remaking History in Twentieth-Century Italy

Giovanni Levi's observation that "no one is a Marxist anymore" challenges the idea of a monolithic and hegemonic Marxism in Italian cultural history. This study argues that Marxist historiography of the post-1945 period was a history in the making, driven by references to Marxian theory, leading to innovative historiographical approaches. It highlights the unique experience of Italian reflection on historical knowledge.

Format: Hardback
Length: 372 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan

Eminent Italian historian Giovanni Levi once made a noteworthy observation that "no one is a Marxist anymore," highlighting a paradox in Italian cultural history. While what is known as Marxism purportedly held a dominant position over Italian culture, particularly in the realm of history writing, for several decades following World War II, it subsequently appears to have vanished abruptly. This study challenges the notion of a monolithic and hegemonic Marxism. It begins with an effective anecdote that serves as a foundation for all ideologizing narratives, namely, the examination of the texts themselves. This study views the Marxist historiography of the post-1945 period as a work in progress, where references to Marxian theory played a crucial role in driving historiographical innovation. By doing so, the book sheds light on a highly original experience in the development of historiography, rooted in the long Italian tradition of reflection on historical knowledge.

Eminent Italian historian Giovanni Levi once made a noteworthy observation that "no one is a Marxist anymore," highlighting a paradox in Italian cultural history. While what is known as Marxism purportedly held a dominant position over Italian culture, particularly in the realm of history writing, for several decades following World War II, it subsequently appears to have vanished abruptly. This study challenges the notion of a monolithic and hegemonic Marxism. It begins with an effective anecdote that serves as a foundation for all ideologizing narratives, namely, the examination of the texts themselves. This study views the Marxist historiography of the post-1945 period as a work in progress, where references to Marxian theory played a crucial role in driving historiographical innovation. By doing so, the book sheds light on a highly original experience in the development of historiography, rooted in the long Italian tradition of reflection on historical knowledge.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 210 x 148 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030836047
Edition number: 2022 ed.