ABSTRACT
Antonio Gramsci's general theory of marxism may seem inappropriate, even incorrect, given the originality of Gramsci's work. In emphasising his originality, however, the central role of Gramsci's relation to established interpretations of marxism is overlooked. Certain aspects of a 'general theory' of marxism in Gramsci must be dealt with since his writings contain attempts to formulate a theoretical alternative to this bolshevisation. To examine Gramsci's analysis the relation is to summarise his interpretation of marxism, and to understand this, one must re-examine the Comintern's elaboration of marxism-leninism during the bolshevisation of the communist parties. Gramsci offered a different, if not opposed, solution to Plekhanov's attempt to prevent the completion of marxism. His aim was to open the way to a revolutionary, political, use of historical materialism. It is necessary to begin here to understand Gramsci's defence and explication of an interpretation of marxism-leninism strongly opposed by various sectors of the Communist International.
