Gramsci’s Influence in Argentina: a New Reading of the Work of Héctor P. Agosti

Abstract

With few exceptions, the impact of the work of Antonio Gramsci in Argentina is generally associated with the so called “Argentinian gramscians”, many of whom met around the journal Pasado y Presente, headed by José Aricó, without considering Gramsci’s earlier influence. However, it is often forgotten that the first introduction of Gramsci to Argentina was by the hand of Héctor P. Agosti. Agosti influenced many young intellectuals who subsequently congregated around Aricó. Beyond the observations made in this article regarding Agosti’s detractors, the aim here is to contribute to the diffusion, and presentation to the public of the thought of one of the most remarkable intellectuals that have arisen in the Communist Party of Argentina. This article also delves into relatively unexamined connections between the works of Agosti and Grasmci, highlighting the role played by the former in introducing the works of this Italian intellectual into Argentina during that period.