The Nietzsche Reader

Some reviewers cite bad editing and translations but don't note that this volume reproduces previously published material from a number of different publishers. If there are errors in translation, those lie with the original translator, editor, and publisher. This Reader contains large sections and sometimes complete excerpts of Nietzsche's most important works, including his 'Birth of Tragedy,' 'Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense,' and 'Utility and Liability of History.' The editors provide valuable context for each period of Nietzsche's oft-misused writing, and present the works in chronological order so the reader can see the growing principles of Nietzsche's philosophical positions. I doubt there are many other better choices for an show more introduction to Nietzsche, and this makes a good companion to the popular Portable Nietzsche. If you want the full works, you have many choices, including some electronic versions available free through Project Gutenberg. show less

The editing in this volume is remarkably poor, as are a few of the translations, but the selection of readings is decent, if a bit heavy on early writings and light on letters. For introduction to Nietzsche's writings, there are better choices.