Historical Dictionary of Nietzscheanism

Carol Diethe0810856131, 9780810856134, 9780810864702

The ideas and writing of the controversial German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche have provided ground for contentious debate over numerous aspects of philosophy and cultural theory that remain relevant even a century after Nietzsche’s own death. However, a more sympathetic and nuanced consideration of Nietzsche’s writings is gaining in popularity, making an introduction to the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche more needed and valuable now than ever before. The ”Historical Dictionary of Nietzscheanism” provides this introduction not only by including important dictionary-style entries about his major ideas, lucidly and quickly explaining their important aspects, but also the details of his life, career, and his social and cultural relations. This context assists in understanding the origin, and eventual evolution, of his philosophical ideas. The reader will find discussions of earlier thinkers who influenced Nietzsche, contemporaries who agreed and disagreed with him, and those who perpetuated or distorted his thoughts after his death at the turn of the century. The work also includes a general introduction, a brief glossary of helpful terms, and a curriculum vitae and bibliography for Nietzsche, designed to help readers expand the horizon of their knowledge on this influential thinker.