On Nietzsche

Georges Bataille (1897-1962) was an essayist, poet, novelist and philosopher of excess. His philosophy emerges from the aesthetic avant-garde of the 1920s and 30s, when he was associated with the surrealist movement, and has since been explored by the major figures of poststructuralism and postmodernism. His classic works include The Story of the Eye and The Accursed Share. On Nietzsche takes up Nietzschean thought where Nietzsche left off - with the Death of God. Written against the backdrop of Germany under the Third Reich, the book explores the possibility of a spiritual life outside religion. In so doing it weaves an astonishing tapestry of confession, theology, philosophy, myth and eroticism - all shot through with the images of war. Translated by Bruce Boone Introduced by Sylvère Lotringer