Walter Kaufmann

"The Basic Writings of Nietzsche" collects some of the most famous and representative works of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. In this anthology you will find complete editions of "The Birth of Tragedy," a work of dramatic theory written early in the philosopher's career, "Beyond Good and Evil," a polemic critique of past philosophers in regards to their considerations of morality, "On the Genealogy of Morals," which would expound upon the...

Martin Buber's I and Thou has long been acclaimed as a classic. Many prominent writers have acknowledged its influence on their work; students of intellectual history consider it a landmark; and the generation born after World War II considers Buber one of its prophets. Buber's main proposition is that we may address existence in two ways: (1) that of the “I” toward an “It,” toward an object that is separate in itself, which we either use...

Thus Spoke Zarathustra is one of the most extraordinary - and important - texts in Western philosophy. It was written by Friedrich Nietzsche between 1883 and 1885. He cast it in the form of a novel in the hope that his urgent message of the 'death of God' and the rise of the superman (Ubermensch) would have greater emotional as well as intellectual impact. Though tarnished somewhat by inappropriate adoption by the Nazi movement in the mid-20th century,...

"A collection of writings by the influential 19th century philosopher features four complete books, including the famous Thus spoke Zarathustra, along with excerpts from his major works, notes, and letters." --

This work is the most famous play in all German literature. It was published in two parts. Part 1 is very dramatic and tells the main story. Part 2 is extremely long and it is meant to be read rather than acted out on stage. It is about Goethe's philosophy as well as about history and politics. This play is a retelling of the Faust legend which was very famous in Germany. The legend tells of a man called Faust who is tired of studying and wants to...