Unpublished Fragments from the Period of Thus Spoke Zarathustra (Spring 1884-Winter 1884/85): Volume 15

This volume provides the first English translation of Nietzsche's unpublished notes from 1884–1885, revealing his philosophical concept of superior humans and the inspiration for his fictional characters. It also explores ideas introduced in Thus Spoke Zarathustra, including the death of God, the will to power, and the cosmos' eternal return. The notes are annotated and accompanied by a translators afterword, showcasing Nietzsche's cosmopolitan exploration of aesthetic and cultural influences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 592 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2022
Publisher: Stanford University Press

This comprehensive volume presents the first English translation of Nietzsche's unpublished notes from the spring of 1884 to the winter of 1884–85, a pivotal period in which he crafted the fourth and final part of his renowned masterpiece, Thus Spoke Zarathustra. These notebooks offer a unique perspective into Nietzsche's philosophical concept of superior humans and provide valuable insights into the identities of the famous nineteenth-century European figures who inspired his invention of fictional characters such as the prophet, the sorcerer, and the ugliest human.

In these notebooks, Nietzsche delves deeper into the ideas introduced in the first three parts of Thus Spoke Zarathustra, including Zarathustra's teaching on the death of God, his proclamation that it is time for humankind to transcend itself and create superhumans, his discovery of the will to power as the secret of life, and his profound belief that the entire cosmos will eternally return. Readers will encounter a wealth of material that Nietzsche would later incorporate into his subsequent book, Beyond Good and Evil, as he engages with the ideas of Kant and Schopenhauer, challenges cultural icons like Richard Wagner, and mercilessly exposes the flaws of his contemporaries, particularly his fellow Germans.

Furthermore, this volume presents an extensive collection of Nietzsche's poetry, richly annotated and accompanied by a detailed translators' afterword. The translators' afterword sheds light on Nietzsche's cosmopolitanism, showcasing his multifaceted and critical exploration of aesthetic and cultural influences that transcend national (and nationalist) notions of literature, music, and culture.

In conclusion, this volume provides a vital and indispensable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Nietzsche's work. It offers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of the most influential and controversial thinkers of the twentieth century, and sheds light on the profound insights and ideas that continue to resonate today.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 123 x 183 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503629707