Reading the New Nietzsche (Hardcover)

by David B. Allison (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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.

About the Author
David B. Allison is professor of philosophy at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is the editor of the groundbreaking anthology "The New Nietzsche".

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (December 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847689794
• ISBN-13: 978-0847689798
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,124,393 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars About time someone got Nietzsche right, April 28, 2001

By	James DiGiovanna - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Reading the New Nietzsche (Paperback)

There's a blurb by Athur Danto on the back cover of this book that says that this is the only book that Nietzsche himself would have endorsed. I think Danto may be right. Allison gets past all the landmines in Nietzsche's writings, and doesn't fall for the overly simple right-wing reading of Nietzsche that's so popular with the Ayn Rand types. Instead, he gives us a subtle interpretation of Nietzsche's theory of knowledge (yes, Nietzsche did believe in knowledge, he was just very careful about making an absolute claims) and morality (and yes, Nietzsche did believe in morality...he's just very critical of what has passed for morals in the western world). It's impossible to summarize Allison's conclusions, but they're incredibly well supported by the texts, and Allison's writing is crystal clear. A real pleasure to read, especially if you're a Nietzsche fan who's been disturbed by all the misreadings of Nietzsche. I think this would also make a good intro book for someone just beginning to explore Nietzsche's thought.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most important book on Nietzsche in English in years, October 4, 2006

By	eupraxis "eupraxis" (New Orleans, LA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reading the New Nietzsche (Paperback)

Allison's text is a refreshing and well-written analysis of Nietzsche's most famous works. Devoid of the usual shibboleths of contemporary writing, Allison offers a penetrating look at the main features and problems of the Nietzsche corpus in a manner accessible to any sensitive reader. A must read.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly, passionate, and beautifully written!, April 1, 2001

By	Donald Hunt (California,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reading the New Nietzsche (Paperback)

Like a good friend who knows and understands you and your moods, Dr. Allison has an informal, conversation tone that enables him to relay an uncommon combination of scholarly material with passion. He is comfortable with his writing and it was a pleasure to read the formulations that appear astoundingly obvious with his guidance. Most of Nietzsche's work requires many readings, cross-referencing and an intense commitment to grasp the essentials and comprehend the concepts being presented. Dr. Allison's book makes these difficult journeys so enjoyable. I experienced an empathy with Nietzsche's work within Dr. Allison's framework. Anyone who has read Nietzsche will truly appreciate this wonderful book and for those who haven't, this is an outstanding introduction which allows you to "feel" the journey to some great ideas! I envy those people who get to discover "Reading the New Nietzsche" by David B. Allison for the first time!