The Birth of Tragedy

Name: The Birth of Tragedy
ISBN: 9787540725068

Friedrich Wilhelm NietzscheLijiang Publishing House · ChinaJan 2019

4.2

Word count: 180K words
Chapters: 53
ISBN: 9787540725068

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Summary

In this book Nietzsche coins the influential pair of concepts "the Apollonian" and "the Dionysian," using them as a point of entry to reinterpret ancient Greek culture from a distinctive perspective and in a lucid style, and thence to explore the origin, nature, and function of art and even the meaning of life. Nietzsche holds that the art of Apollo finds expression in sculpture and epic, an art of dream; the art of Dionysus finds expression in music, an art of intoxication. Greek tragedy originated in the choral songs of Dionysian ritual and is the product of the fusion of the Apollonian and the Dionysian. Nietzsche regards the Dionysian as the fundamental basis of Greek art—namely, "the affirmation of life... the will to life rejoicing in its own inexhaustibleness." He argues that when Greek tragedy reached its peak, the enemy that would destroy it arose: the critical spirit of Greek Enlightenment philosophy represented by Socrates. Greek tragedy "perished" in the antagonism between Dionysus and Socrates, yet Nietzsche prophesies that the Dionysian will return and a new tragic age will come.

Editor's review

As one of Nietzsche's early masterpieces, The Birth of Tragedy is far more important than a mere work of literary theory. It is not only the first cornerstone of Nietzsche's philosophical edifice but also the key gateway to understanding his entire intellectual genealogy. Through the core concepts of the "Apollonian" and the "Dionysian," the book undertakes a radical revaluation of the origin and nature of ancient Greek tragedy. Nietzsche argues that tragedy arises not from moral conflict but from the union of two opposing yet complementary artistic impulses: the Apollonian, representing dream, form, and the principle of individuation, and the Dionysian, symbolizing intoxication, passion, and union with the primal ground of life. The greatness of tragedy lies in its use of beautiful Apollonian images to reveal the pain and ecstasy of cosmic life itself as embodied in the Dionysian, thereby enabling the spectator to experience, in the destruction of the individual, a metaphysical consolation and joy in eternal life.

This Lijiang Publishing House edition is widely recognized among Chinese translations for the quality of its translation and editing; it clears away many linguistic obstacles for the reader, allowing more direct access to the sharp edge of Nietzsche's thought. In reading this book you will undergo not only a fresh understanding of ancient Greek art but also a violent shock to your way of thinking. Here Nietzsche already begins to reveal his critique of Socratic rationalism and his profound questioning of the "scientific optimism" of modern civilization—sparks of thought that later became blazing flames in his philosophical system. For any reader who wishes to understand the crisis of modernity, the philosophy of art, or the philosophy of life, The Birth of Tragedy is an indispensable classic. It offers no easy answers; it invites you into a world of thought full of tension, suffering, and supreme vitality.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Beginners and advanced researchers with a strong interest in Western philosophy, especially Nietzsche's thought
Professionals or students in literary theory, aesthetics, or theater studies
Lovers of literature and art who wish to go beyond surface narrative and understand the nature of ancient Greek tragic art
Thinkers seeking to transcend the constraints of reason and experience the depth and intensity of life

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting a systematic, plain history of ancient Greek drama or a general survey of art
Pragmatic readers seeking inspirational comfort or clear life guidance

Reading tips

On a first reading, do not be troubled by every detail; focus on the core opposition of the "Apollonian" and the "Dionysian" and the way it unfolds through the book.
It is advisable to read this alongside Nietzsche's later works (such as Thus Spoke Zarathustra) to observe the development and change of his thought.
Pause as needed to consider how Nietzsche's critique of modern civilization (science and reason) resonates with, or differs from, our own age.

About the publisher

Lijiang Publishing House China · Founded in 1980

Lijiang Publishing House focuses on Chinese and foreign literature, humanities and social sciences, cultural life, and parent-child education, and is particularly known for translating and introducing foreign literature; its "Nobel Prize in Literature Laureates Series" has had a lasting influence on readers. Judging from the 193 books in the collection, the press publishes modern prose classics such as Lu Xun's Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk, ancient poetry and Eastern philosophy texts including Qu Yuan's The Songs of Chu and the works of Xunzi, educational works such as De Amicis's Cuore, and philosophy titles such as The Origin and Goal of History. Its authors include well-known Chinese and foreign writers and scholars such as Lu Xun, Qu Yuan, Xunzi, Hu Dalei, and Xia Mianzun. Overall, the press balances the organization of classic texts with the introduction of foreign works, forming a publishing profile that gives equal weight to literature, philosophy, and education.

版权信息
内容简介
译者简介
代总序尼采，一位应该被超越的伟人
悲剧的诞生
自我批评的尝试
前言——致理查德·瓦格纳
一
二
三
四
五
六
七
八
九
十
十一
十二
十三
十四
十五
十六
十七
十八
十九
二十
二十一
二十二
二十三
二十四
二十五
附录：瓦格纳在拜洛伊特
一
二
三
四
五
六
七
八
九
十
十一
作为教育家的叔本华
一
二
三
四
五
六
七
八

FAQ

Can I understand this book without a background in philosophy?

It is challenging but not impossible. Although a philosophical work, the book takes artistic phenomena as its point of departure and is rich in imagery. Reading an introductory article or the translator's preface first for background, then entering the main text, is recommended; be patient and allow yourself to read it several times.

What is the core argument of this book?

The core argument is that the birth and nature of ancient Greek tragic art arise from the union and conflict of the "Apollonian," representing reason, order, and individual illusion, and the "Dionysian," representing the irrational, intoxication, and the primal ground of life. Through the destruction of the individual hero, tragedy allows the spectator to glimpse and merge into the eternal stream of life, thereby attaining metaphysical consolation.

What are the features of this edition?

This Lijiang Publishing House edition strikes a good balance between accuracy and literary quality in its translation and usually includes detailed translator's notes and a scholar's introduction or afterword, helping readers understand the historical context and philosophical content of the text. It is one of the more reliable Chinese editions for beginners.

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About the author

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche Author · Germany · 1844–1900

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844–1900) was a German philosopher, classical philologist, and poet. At the age of 24 he became professor of classical philology at the University of Basel; in 1879 ill health forced him to resign his post, after which he traveled in Switzerland and Italy and continued to write. Nietzsche put forward ideas such as “God is dead,” the “will to power,” the “overman,” and “eternal recurrence.” His works span philosophy, literature, and poetry, and his style often proceeds through aphorisms, maxims, and metaphors, combining argumentative sharpness with poetic tension; he has had a profound influence on existentialism and postmodernism. His major works include The Birth of Tragedy, The Gay Science, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Beyond Good and Evil, On the Genealogy of Morality, and The Will to Power.