Nietzsche's 'Beyond Good and Evil': A Reader's Guide

by Christa Davis Acampora

Beyond Good and Evil contains Nietzsche's mature philosophy of the free spirit. Although it is one of his most widely read texts, it is a notoriously difficult piece of philosophical writing. The authors demonstrate in clear and precise terms why it is to be regarded as Nietzsche's philosophical masterpiece and the work of a revolutionary genius. This Reader's Guide is the ideal companion to study, offering guidance - Philosophical and historical context - Key themes - Reading the text -Further reading.

Genres: Philosophy

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2011

Reviews

[Lia]

This is useful as a guide, the one-line summaries of all the aphorisms crammed in a few pages is useful for forming a general concept of the shape of the whole book, it's great if you want to go back check on what Nietzsche said earlier to refine, modify, your understanding.

The assertions in the book are basic and mostly apologetic, which calms the nerves, but what's left of Nietzsche's work when you strip the provocations out? I want to call it a crime, but then nobody forced me to read it.

I appreciate this as a basic map for what else to read in secondary Nietzschean literature. None of the convoluted arguments are addressed in depth, but you know who said what about whom and you know where you can read more if you're interested in any particular assertion.

It's also a very easy read. If I must explain BGE to a 5 year old, I'd read this to him. (Not that I think 5 year old should read Nietzsche...)

[Ashley Adams]

Abandoned. Didn't find it particularly helpful or interesting.

[Julia M]

nice introductory reading