The Birth of Tragedy (Dover Thrift Editions: Philosophy) Paperback – June 1, 1995

For all of us whose German proficiency is limited, Walter Kaufmann translations are a godsend. Add to it the appropriate and far from burdensome notes and you have an edition that really does credit these two extraordinary works of one of the greatest thinkers of all time. A pleasure to read!

I have always appreciated the Walter Kaufmann translations of Friedrich Nietzsche's writings. This specific volume is no exception. Anyone who has attempted to translate the original text themselves knows the difficulties inherent in Nietzsche's prose make this no small task. The importance of "The Birth of Tragedy" to modern cultural studies cannot be understressed. It has become almost matter of fact to see the Apollonian-Dionysian conflict as the motive force behind the development of human civilization. Neo-Freudian theory echoes the themes the young philologist saw within the remnants of Greek tragedy's legacy to western culture; ordering form coating the abyssmal depth of primal abandon. The brilliant insight that Nietzsche uncovers wherein the tragic chorus erases the artifical barrier modernity has instituted between stage and audience has been contested by some mainstream historians of Greek literature. Nevertheless, the truth of his insight isn't dependent upon the factuality of scholarly assent but, rather, stands on the range of clarity it provides to those looking through its lense. "The Case of Wagner" gives the reader an opportunity to peek into Nietzsche's personal struggle with genius both personally and in another, a dance of projected self-loathing. The decadence of modernity and mass appeal are woven into a argument against redemption and Christian ethics which Nietzsche locates as central to Wagner's musicality. The author is razor sharp in turning a phrase and difficult, perhaps purposely so, to doctinize. In any case, these two writings are essential for anyone wishing to glimpse into the vision of this transitional philosopher who is best known for announcing the death of God.

Walter Kaufmann is a very good translator, I should say that first and foremost. I've read a lot of his translations of Nietzsche, and I have to say... it's nice to have someone that is so pedantic details and language nuances. As far as the two pieces from Nietzsche go, "The Birth of Tragedy" is probably the best starting point for anyone who wants to get into Nietzsche, and it's definitely something that really paves the way for his later works. However, and both Nietzsche (in his added preface) and Kaufmann agree: Sections 16-25 are... well, you basically just don't need to read them. They just aren't necessary, and the book ends SUBLIMELY at the end of Section 15. However, assuming that you do read all of "Birth of Tragedy," you will find that "The Case of Wagner" is an almost PERFECT companion piece! It really shows you how Nietzsche had to separate from Wagner to really come to his own, and it is startlingly relevant even to this day. It's hilarious to imagine how Nietzsche would feel about today's musicians and artists. Among other things. Anyways, all in all.. I absolutely love it, and I learned a lot from it. I really got a great appreciation for Greek culture, and I felt like it really changed the perspective on a lot of things I had learned in school. I would recommend this book to lovers of Philosophy and Greek culture/history alike.

The time and the space allotted for writing this review are both not sufficient to do justice to Nietzsche. I have a read a lot of Nietzsche and other commentary on his work. I have only two things to say. (1) Unless you can read German, always read a Walter Kaufmann translation of Nietzsche. DO NOT read any other translation. There are many translations available out there but Kaufmann's translations are the most authentic. (2) I purchased by book 'used' figuring just how used could it be. It turned out, when the book arrived, that it was untouched. Literally. Not a single mark on the book. And it arrived within a week or so.I was extremely satisfied with the quality of the book. And as for contents of the book, Nietzsche is not the most easiest of the philosophers to read. Not because his writings are prolix. Because the things he says are sometimes so deep, you just have to pause for a moment and reflect.

A must read for everyone, but particularly those who enjoy music, play instrument, for a unique and logical deduction of music and it's creation.

If you're interested in Nietzsche's "philosophy", this isn't the volume to start with. Rather, if you want to know about Nietzsche's failed love affair with Wagner, you couldn't find a better place to begin.BIRTH OF TRAGEDY reads like a philosophical work, but it's really souped-up philology in the service of Wagner. Nietzsche wrote it in the first blush of his attraction to monster genius Wagner, and I think it's more biographical than otherwise.THE CASE OF WAGNER is the end of the affair: Nietzsche sums up the total decadence of his once beloved Meister.Nietzsche was really a very bad critic of Wagner, maybe the worst ever (Shaw is a shadowy second). He seems to have believed that PARSIFAL was Wagner's affirmation of Christianity, falling to his knees before the cross. He did do justice to the music, but his textual analysis is so far wrong that it's painful to read such stupidity from a man of genius.He did get TRISTAN right, to be fair--the "most enchanting music ever written" or words to that effect, a judgment that I agree with 1000%.If you're interested in Nietzsche's thought, HUMAN, ALL TOO HUMAN is the place to begin; just read about Wagner and Nietzsche in Hollingdale or Kauffman.

The printing of the book is not very nice. The paper is recycled, which I love it, but the ink is so thin, sometimes cannot be read. I suppose that for the price I couldn't complain.

So what am I to review here? I think I will restrict this review to the book alone, given that everything else was fine (arrived in good condition, is considered to be a reasonable translation, is a good price considering all the comprehensive introduction and extensive explanatory notes). My edition, for reference, was the Walter Kaufmann translation.Earliest Nietzsche is oft times overlooked for a variety of reasons, some of which could be the lack of dynamic style, limited scope, only just burgeoning ideas that are to later become his iconoclastic worldviews which are fully developed in his later works, etc. That said, do not skip this work. Birth of Tragedy gives intimate insight into how Nietzsche began developing his ideas, revealing the primordial grounds from which his earliest persuasions began to take hold. One can read and reread Birth of Tragedy, its music of words. Familiar, melancholic, you anticipate the sweet swell of affirmation in face of deep sadness. Read this work, it informs so much of Nietzsche's later work and will begin to reveal the portrait/orchestration of humanity that he sought to create.Another reviewer mentioned Nietzsche as clumsy, but this is a far cry from clumsy. If anything this is his most organized work developed along the lines of a traditional essay with an argument and general direction. It is easy enough to follow, and perhaps that is due to the translation I used. Kaufmann is a decent guide for these works, offering notes and directional prods to assist in understanding the work a little easier. As a bonus you also get The Case of Wagner which is a fun read.There is much to say content wise, so I won't. Some themes include aesthetics developed as a tension between two worlds we are in constant contact with but do not acknowledge; the deification of reason; humankind as needing tragedy to see past the illusion of self in the midst of our primordial being; etc. It is a touch complicated to go into depth in a review. It would be better to read it anyways than hear it second hand from me.

I read this some forty years ago & whilst doing some research for an autobiography, I found that I had quoted this piece of wonderment so naturally, I had to buy it again!How truly fab!

It is missing the preface written for the second edition.

Came very quickly and in great shape.