Thus Spake Zarathustra (Wordsworth Classics of World Literature)

The Common translation is allegedly written in the voice of a King James Bible, making a dense read needlessly more difficult. I find it far worse than KJV language and this book is already a heavy lift. Go with Kaufman or any other (relatively) plain English translation

It’s in archaic English

EDITION: “Thus Spake Zarathustra”, Nietzsche, 1997, Wordsworth Classic Edition, ISBN: 978-1-85326-776-5, paperback. Since I first used Wordsworth edition, they have progressed immeasurably both in terms of the print and paper quality and in the content, especially commentary, i.e. not the original text. This is no exception. Printed on quality paper with an extensive, helpful introduction by Nicholas Davey, Nietzche’s text has received careful treatment, presentation and translation by Thomas Common. “There was it also where I picked up from the path the word ‘Superman’, and that man is something to be surpassed. That man’s is a bridge, not a goal - rejoicing over his noontide's and evenings, as advances to a new rosy dawns - “ (P 192). Although there were times when I would have liked commentary, a guidance, it forced deeper thinking. I recommend the edition, especially at the price a paid. . For anyone wanting to research further, I recommend Leonard Bernstein’s lecture on Richard Strauss’s music, “Thus Spake Zarathrustra’. Although he was talking to a hall and television audience of young people, Bernstein typically deals with the text and music at a high level to advance understanding. Well worth a watch to understand both Nietzsche, Strauss and music. All recommended.

Whatever you think of Nietzsche's philosophy, the level of introspection, breadth of thought and impact of his aphorisms make for an utterly compelling read. If you're new to Nietzsche then The Will to Power is probably a better starting point, Zarathustra may well be his master work though. Don't take my word for it, just read it.

I really like this book which I read 20 years ago and did not understood much. At the time, I would have needed "Zarathustra for Dummies", but 20 years down the road it's a bit easier though a very dense book. To read during your summer holidays while you have little else to do. A must read if you are going back to your philosophy classes.

This book is excellent, meant to be read and not simply look pretty on the shelf. You're not paying for a fancy expensive cover or extra quality paper. You're paying for a book to be read. I love this low cost Nietzsche books. (Those who are complaining about the "arcaic" english, this is not the first publication I read like this, seems to me the most correct, and one of the first translations AFAIK).