Letters from Prison

of books kept by Professor Sraffa indicate some books that we would not otherwise know had reached Gramsci: the first is linked to the initiative of a culture school organized by the exiles in Ustica, the second list contains books where it is not clear if they were for the school or personal. In fact, Gramsci—Sraffa informs us—

"it seems that he had to receive many books at San Vittore that he intended for the school of the exiles."

In the appendix, we publish the two lists of cited books, Sraffa’s letter to the Manchester Guardian (October 24, 1927) on Gramsci’s imprisonment, and, in its full text, Tatiana’s letter of May 12, 1937, addressed to Piero Sraffa, which describes Gramsci’s last hours.

The Gramsci Institute of Rome provided the material for the present edition. Doctor Elsa Fubini collected it, provided the transcription, and performed checks directly on the originals, also providing us with a transcription of the letters that reached us in copy. Furthermore, she gave her help with the annotation. We found some useful indications in the cited edition by Il Saggiatore, which represents the first attempt at annotating the letters.

Mr. Carlo Gramsci was kind enough to provide us with information, suggestions, and advice. Professor Piero Sraffa provided the letters Gramsci addressed to him from Ustica, the two letters from Professor Cosmo, the letter addressed to him by Tatiana after Gramsci’s death, and the two lists of cited books; he also consented to the publication of passages from letters addressed to him by Tatiana and transcribed by her into letters to Gramsci; he kindly authorized an inspection of the letters directed to him by Tatiana in the years 1932-38, and he was generous with care and clarifications on all points submitted to him.

Senator Giuseppe Berti kindly consented to the publication of one of his letters to Gramsci from Ustica. Alfonso Leonetti provided precious help with his direct knowledge of many episodes of Gramsci’s life. He also assisted us in the compilation of the chronology.