Abstract

This paper analyses the different stages of the relations between Rosario Villari and the Italian Communist Party, beginning with his role as an advocate of social conflict for agrarian reform and then as a member of the team for the periodical «Cronache meridionali» and promoter of historical works. As editor of «Studi Storici», Villari developed scientific rigour and political engagement. During the 1980s, he took part in the debate over the decline of the Pci and joined the gradualist wing (the “miglioristiµ).