Abstract

In this first full treatment of the philosophy of art of Nietzsche in English, Young traces the positions that Nietzsche adopts in regard to the nature of creativity, the purpose of art, and its ideal aesthetic effects in his published writings. With a few exceptions the notes in the Nachlass are eschewed and the primary focus is on the conception of art presented in The Birth of Tragedy. From the beginning one senses that this commentary on, interpretation of, and critical appraisal of Nietzsche's aesthetics is fresh, sprightly, and more than an account of what Nietzsche said about art. It is bold, insightful, and, in its denouement, irreverant. Young has taken Zarathustra-Nietzsche at his word: he is not a follower, not a disciple.