Antonio Gramsci (1891–1937) holds a curious place in the tradition of Continental Political Thought. He was neither a professional academic (in political philosophy or otherwise) nor did he ever write a systematic treatise or study for public consumption. Whilst most political thinkers write at some remove from day-to-day events, Gramsci's thought closely corresponded to his practical engagement with revolutionary politics. Indeed, his most extensive, abstract or "philosophical" writings were in fact the product of his enforced removal from political activity when incarcerated in one of Mussolini's prisons.