The Birth of Tragedy & The Genealogy of Morals (Paperback)

by Friedrich Nietzsche (Author), Francis Golfing (Introduction, Translator) "Whatever it was that gave rise to this problematical work, of one thing there can be no question: the issue it propounded must have been..." (more)
Key Phrases: esthetic condition, metaphysical solace, ascetic priest, Richard Wagner (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Skillful, sophisticated translations of two of Nietzsche's essential works about the conflict between the moral and aesthetic approaches to life, the impact of Christianity on human values, the meaning of science, the contrast between the Apollonian and Dionysian spirits, and other themes central to his thinking.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Anchor; Anchor Books ed edition (May 7, 1956)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385092105
• ISBN-13: 978-0385092104
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #84,345 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #31 in	Books > Nonfiction > Philosophy > Movements > Existentialism
  #59 in	Books > Reference > Genealogy
  #65 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > Foreign Language Fiction > German

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This is a poor translation of an excellent book, October 21, 1998

By A Customer

The translator of this volume does not seem to grasp what Nietzsche is trying to do. He omits passages that are important for understanding of the text simply because the importance of them is not always clear at first. He also omits the references that Nietzsche makes to his own earlier works. This makes the text flow more smoothly, but doesn't allow the reader the opportunity get a handle on what Nietzsche is up to, and doesn't give the reader a sense of what other works by this author might be of interest. Again, this is a good work, but there are better translations available!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unpopular Advocacy..., March 2, 2007

By	Alex William McNeal III (El Paso, TX USA) - See all my reviews

I have to be the sensible voice of dissent on this one: having read the Hollingdale and Kaufmann translations of these books, and although Golffing was no authority par excellance on Nietzsche (but rather a poet--not utterly devoid of perspective), I think this particular pair of translated works has its necessary place among the more respected editions. Yes, it does lack the trademark styles and general passion characteristic of Nietzsche's writings--but only for the initiated reader; this is actually a perfect edition for the rookie, the newbie: it takes the overwhelming aspect away, it eases the fresh reader into the shock and rapidity of the stream of thought, it presents the subject matter in a way that would garner an undergrad or graduate student "props" as a brilliant writer with a universal style. Obviously, as one becomes more attuned to these vibes, they will want to reach for the more difficult readings--not merely to test their comprehension skills, but for personal aesthetics as well, like the feeling of accomplishment. The more seasoned reader knows that Nietzsche is all about personality (he is literary-style, personified) and passion, but they should as well note that our author here is not accessible to everyone the same way (let alone with ease, if at all). I still found substance here, I found a less colorful rendition of thematic scope, I found a "Nietzsche for Beginners"--but why hate on Golffing as a result?; and considering the growing popularity of the author, the latecomers will all have to step through that door in some fashion, and this book does a better than average job of allowing just that.

6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good book, Bad translation, do not buy, February 25, 2005

By	Chris S. Palacio (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ill give it 2 stars instead of 1. because it is not nietzsche i have the prolem with.

I knew i was taking a chance by buying this, I like Hollingdale, and like kaufman, but this translater, takes the fun out of freddie. It hardly even sounds like nietzsche speaking. For one example a famous line is "we all speak vaugly about poerty because we are all bad poets.".. When i read that line i barely realized i read it as he write "we all speak abrtractly about our poetry because we tend to be indifferent poets." The whole book reads like that. Nietzsche Bold statements! poetic prose are replaced with boring textbook like translation. I realized we might have a problem when i read the "ABOUT THE AUTHOR" in the book and he had traslated the title of "THE GAY SCIENCE" to "THE JOYFUL KNOWING" uhm.... I'm re-buying the book today the kaufman version. dont buy this.