An Introduction to Nietzsche as Political Thinker: The Perfect Nihilist

by Keith Ansell-Pearson

Overview

This is a lively and engaging introduction to the contentious topic of Nietzsche's politics, tracing the development of his thinking and confronting directly his appropriation by the Nazis. The key ideas of the will to power, eternal return and the overman are discussed and all Nietzsche's major works analyzed in detail. This textbook will be essential for all students of Nietzsche and of the history of political ideas. It includes a chronology of Nietzsche's life and works, and a guide to further reading.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521427210
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/31/1994
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.18(w) x 8.66(h) x 0.67(d)

Table of Contents

Chronology; Introduction; Note on Nietzsche and Liberalism; Part I. The Question of Nietzsche: 1. A question of style? An introduction to reading Nietzsche; 2. Nietzsche's legacy; Part II. Ancients and Moderns: 3. Nietzsche and the Greeks: culture versus politics; 4. Nietzsche on modern politics; Part III. Man and Overman: 5. Zarathustra's teaching of the overman; 6. A genealogy of morals; 7. O humanity! Nietzsche on great politics; Part IV. The Question of Nietzsche Now: 8. Nietzsche and contemporary Liberalism; 9. Nietzsche and feminism; 10. The perfect nihilist.

Editorial Reviews

"This book provides a sound introduction to Nietzsche's political thought....Strongly recommended for undergraduates at all levels." Choice

"It is one of the singular merits of Ansell-Pearson's book that he not only explains cogently the ways in which Nietzsche is an important political thinker but also clarifies the stages of his development. Furthermore, the author furnishes a number of insightful criticisms of both Nietzsche and Nietzsche interpreters....Ansell-Pearson's book is a meritorious work that should be read and reflected upon, for it helps us to understand Nietzsche, as Nietzsche, Ansell-Pearson rightly remarks, helps us to understand the age in which we live." John Riser, European Studies Journal

"...highly accessible and engaging study of Nietsche's political philosophy..." International Studies in Philosophy

"An excellent introduction to Nietzche's thought, and a book to be welcomed as well by scholars in political theory, philosophy, and any field concerned about emancipatory politics." Religious Studies Review

"...compelling....in the breadth of its sweep..." New Nietzsche Studies

From the Publisher