Product Description

Nietzsche left no systematic exposition of his philosophy, and so it remains the subject of intense scholarly dispute and interpretation. Because of Nietzsche's evocative style and often outrageous claims, his philosophy generates strong reactions of passionate love and disgust. The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche by Henry Louis Mencken was the first, and many believe the best book on the subject. Mencken was known for his attention to detail. This book is a must read for anyone who wishes to understand Nietzche and his underlying philosophy.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1794825 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 316 pages

About the Author
H. L. Mencken was a journalist in the first half of the 20th century, reporting on social and political matters such as the Scopes monkey trial. He was the editor of The Smart Set and The American Mercury and the author of over two dozen books, including The American Language, Happy Days, Newspaper Days, and Heather Days. He was also the translator of Nietzsche's The Anti-Christ.

Customer Reviews

Cross of Iron
This is one of Heinrich's numerous novels with the same characters. It was ,I think, originally called "The Willing Flesh" before Sam Peckinpah made a movie of it. It must be mentioned that the soldiers in the book, who were the main characters, were part of the Wehrmacht (the main German army) and in fact hated Nazis and SS. The content was very similar to the famous book "The Forgotten Soldier". Willi Heinrich manages to show German soldiers with some decency and an instinct for survival on the Eastern Front as a prime motive in a losing war. Steiner is a disobedient but brave soldier in this book and always seems to escape the most difficult situations. The story is well told with enough detail to entertain both lovers and haters of war books. The movie (excellent) only covers part of the book but shows some of the harsh realities only comparable to some of the more recent WWII films.

Countries go to war - individuals suffer
In a powerful way the book reminds us: Countries / governments go to war. But individuals suffer, bleed, and die. The presidents, leaders and fuehrers sit safely at home while the soldiers die. The story is an eternal one, to be re-played until there will be a war and nobody shows up.

The book is vividly written, lives take shape before your eyes, great character development. This book should be read together with "All Quiet on the Western Front." By the way, the German title is "Das geduldige Fleisch" = "The Patient Flesh."

Gritty adventure in a forgotten battle
Heinrich's anti-hero, sgt. Steiner leads his platoon through Soviet line to the relative safety of the German lines in the Kerch penninsula. The novel shows the Russo-German conflict for what it was - brutal, heartless, and desperate. Not only do Steiner and his men have to fight the identifiable enemy but they must fight against the enemy within their own ranks. Glory-seeking officers, die-hard Nazis, and the malaise that envelopes all when exposed to the brutal horrors of combat at its most most primitive. Telling is the section where Steiner is sent back to "civilization." Heinrich's book is a must for those who enjoy historical fiction and military fiction. It enlightens a part of the war about which most Americans know little.