A time for revolution contains two volumes from distinct points in Negri's career. The essays written in prison, which form the latter half of the book, are what I have read in depth and are what I would like to discuss.

Kairos, Alma Venus and Multitudo represent concurrent and cumulatively logical essays outlining a materialist ontology, tying together as primary concepts a temporal epistemology, ontology of the common, and conceptual framework for differentiated action. To explain this, jargon free, Negri claims that through most of the history of philosophy and of knowing subjects there has been a false transcendental illusion of knowledge that exists external to time, and that this form of knowledge is privileged and replicated by the interests of the powerful. His project is to restore the belief among subjects that change can be affected and of the possibilities time affords. He wishes to tie in this priviledging of the tempral nature of knowledge to a logically consistent ethical basis of the common and refutation of power.

These essays are prefaced by an insightful and absorbing introduction in which Negri explains his tribulations with the state of Italy, and through his elaborate articulation sets himself within the pantheon of philosophical minds. It is not surprising then, especially considering the aim and extent of this project, that a Time for Revolution often comes off as a quasi-mystical Platonic text, evading specificity, and tending towards the very transcendentalism loathed by Negri. Strangely, however, for this reader this logically inconsistent facet of the text is perhaps one of the greatest draws; to enact hope of change: hearts and not just minds are in need of being won over.

Like Spinoza Negri pushes his philosophical message through with sheer eloquence at times, the very mysticism of what is sometimes being proposed gated into sequenced paragraphs.

This book has been an inspiration to me. The density of the writing is so heavy, you feel that perhaps a whole life's thoughts have been compressed into these essays, meaning that with each reading the writing reveals something new. I am currently working on a film about Savonarola that draws on many of the themes in these essays, if you are interested in discussing Negri's work or my film email me at ncoombs@fastmail.co.uk