Reading the New Nietzsche

by David B. Allison

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, and Thus Spoke Zarathustra. 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.

Genres: Philosophy

334 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Dominic Geraghty]

Very insightful, humorous. Great place to start with Nietzsche!

[Talha Koseoglu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent commentary on Nietzsche's most important works which connects and discusses his other works. I am not sure if it is Nietzsche himself or Allison's reading of him that I like the better. I have not read any of the books except On the Genealogy of Morals. Although that one is Nietzsche's most scholarly work, it can be obscure or impenetrable for those who are not quie used to his sytle. Still Allison does a great job in making him comprehensible. For me, especially interesting and enjoyable parts were the ones Allison explains Nietzsche's historical method, his genealogy and the concept of the "eternal return". I am not sure, however, if his commentars is a particular reading of Nietzsche, one that is rather Foucauldian. I am more familiar with Foucault than Nietzsche, and this commentary made me think that in most of his works, Foucault is almost Nietzsche reincarnated.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allison has written a comprehensive study on four of Nietzsche's major works, putting them all in perspective both historically and in relation to his other output. His research is quite astounding, with a large number of relevant anecdotes from Nietzsche's life that serve to further illuminate the thrust behind his words.

[Joanna Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful.

[Abdullah Başaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather clear. Almost Heideggerian. Never French. Nice though.