Originally published in France in 1945 and translated for the first time into English, this book records the major influence Nietzsche played on Bataille's life and which led him to abandon his Catholic faith. Bataille argues against fascist interpretations of Nietzsche, expresses his disgust at German anti-Semitism and praises Nietzsche as a prophet. Against the background of the war and the German occupation, this book mixes observation with reflection in the form of aphorisms, poems and myths. Barthes, Derrida and Kristeva all acknowledge their debt to Bataille who "broke with traditional narrative to tell us what has never been told before" (Foucault).
- ISBN10 1438458592
- ISBN13 9781438458595
- Publish Date 1 December 2015 (first published September 1992)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint State University of New York Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 380
- Language English