Reading Negri: Marxism in the Age of Empire

Antonio Negri is known in the English-speaking world primarily through his collaborations with Michael Hardt; "Empire," "Multitude," and "Commonwealth" have become some of the most widely discussed political works of recent times. Here, "Reading Negri" unravels the ideas and life of the man whose work has become a rallying point for students, workers, and intellectuals opposing capitalist globalization. It also delves into many of the thinker's other writings, such as his novel readings of Machiavelli, Descartes, and Spinoza -- revolutionary reinterpretations of the central texts of Marx -- and his works of contemporary political analysis. Whereas most critical accounts of Negri focus only on his collaborations with Hardt, this insightful collection of essays presents readers with a fuller picture of his thoughts, one that does justice to his ability to use the great texts of the philosophical tradition to illuminate the present. This collection contains essays from scholars representing a broad spectrum of disciplines and interests, and offers both criticism of and positive commentary on Negri's work.