Guy de Pourtalès (1881–1941)

Nietzsche in Italy, written by Guy de Pourtalès and translated by Will Stone, is a wonderfully readable account of Nietzsche's visits and stays in Italy, some of his most fruitful periods.

I had read a few sections before, using my rudimentary French reading skills (started by a course titled French for Reading Knowledge as an undergrad), but those had always been offered to me for specific purposes, incidents which spoke to other discussions. Having the opportunity to read it in its entirety is a pleasure and one I would recommend to anyone interested in Nietzsche, whether his thought or his life.

This is not an attempt at being comprehensive, even within the parameters set by the title. Rather, as Pourtalès says in his salutary preface to Paul Valéry, "I sought my Nietzsche." Even more than most philosophers, Nietzsche is many things to many people, and that shows not only in this biographical essay but in every biography written, even those trying to cover all aspects.

In addition to readers who already have an interest in Nietzsche, I think a lot of readers who enjoy fiction where you get to know the inner workings of the protagonist will enjoy this book. While it is nonfiction, it is absolutely about a person's ups and downs, and how events could have outsized effects on him.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (more)