This is an introduction to the major themes and terminology developed by the Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci. The text is divided into two parts. The first provides the historical, social and intellectual background which influenced Gramsci's childhood, education and later development as a political activist. Particular emphasis is given to the pattern of events which unfolded during Italy's post-First World War revolutionary period. The second part concentrates on the principal ideas developed in Gramsci's writings. Each chapter looks at a particular theme, providing clear definitions and explanations together with a brief discussion of their wider theoretical implications and applications. The main themes discussed are: Marxism and ideology; hegemony and the concept of ideology; Gramsci's theory of politics and political education and the role of the intellectuals. The concluding chapter looks at how a Gramscian perspective might usefully be used to analyze contemporary society.