NONFICTION

I Am Dynamite! A Life of Nietzsche

by Sue Prideaux
Tim Duggan: Crown. Oct. 2018. 480p. ISBN 9781524760823. $30; ebk. ISBN 9781524760847. PHIL
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Much has been written about German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900), and you might wonder if another biography is necessary. But Prideaux (Edvard Munch) takes a new approach by analyzing personal letters, specific life events, and individuals close to him to create an account that reads more like a thoughtful study of the man than an analysis of his philosophical theories. Through examining his life events, readers discover how Nietzsche's thought was shaped by his experiences and those around him. Prideaux also does a fantastic job of showing the complexity of Nietzsche's philosophy and his loneliness, madness, and independent spirit. Prideaux's skill at writing an entertaining biography that also delves into its subject's writings makes this an engaging read.
VERDICT Anyone seeking an introduction to Nietzsche's life and how it shaped his work will enjoy this book. [See Prepub Alert, 4/23/18.]
Reviewed by Scott Duimstra, Capital Area Dist. Lib., Lansing, MI , Oct 01, 2018
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