Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
In this long-awaited volume, David B. Allison argues for a "generous" approach to Nietzsche's writings, and then provides comprehensive analyses of Nietzsche's The Birth of Tragedy, The Gay Science, On the Genealogy of Morals, Beyond Good and Evil, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Twilight of the Idols, and The Antichrist. Unique among other books on Nietzsche, Allison's text includes individual chapters devoted to Nietzsche's principal works. Historically-oriented and continentally-informed, Allison's readings draw on French and German thinkers, such as Heidegger, Battaille, Derrida, Birault, and Deleuze, while the author explicitly resists the use of jargon that frequently characterizes those approaches. Reading the New Nietzsche is an outstanding resource for those reading Nietzsche for the first time as well as for those who wish to know him better.
Synopsis
Reading the New Nietzsche is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the four most important ad widely read of Nietzsche's works. After a largely biographical introduction, a chapter is devoted to each work. Read in succession they give an overall philosophical account of Nietzsche's thought. Allison's approach is to be as generous as possible toward the texts--to deal with them in Nietzsche's own terms. He stresses how Nietzsche privileges the autonomy of his audience by encouraging the development of the reader's own critical abilities. By his remarkable rhetorical and stylistic skills, he writes to the heart as well as to the mind. Other topics discussed include the mistaken prejudice of Nietzsche's identification with German nationalism; his seemingly extreme statements on ethics, politics, religion, a dn gender; and his critique of philosophical foundationalism. Throughout Allison lends perspective on the usually excessive preoccupation with Nietzsche's personal life, making reference to it only when it is particularly germane, as is the case with Zarathustra. David Allison's long-awaited book conveys throughout the broad range of concerns, the provocative and compassionate style of writing, and the historical sensitivity that underlie Nietzsche's wide appeal and influence. Visit our website for sample chapters!