“This is an important work that gives an original analytical account of prevalent modes of critical thought (deconstruction, feminism, Marxism) from the standpoint of the philosophical theories of Vico and Gramsci. Lucente’s passionate critique of the sundry narcissistic and self-enclosed shapes of modern thought in terms of the consciousness of history is fresh and persuasive, and the economy and crispness of his writing is admirable.”—Giuseppe Mazzotta, Yale University