Translating Nietzsche: The Case of Kaufmann

No one has loomed larger in Nietzsche's English-language translation history (and interpretation history) than Walter Kaufmann. We owe much to him. It seems to me, however, that just as he needed surpassing as an interpreter, he also needs surpassing as a translator; for there is a good deal that is problematic about his Nietzsche translations, in a variety of respects—some of which has affected his interpretation in ways that I consider unfortunate. I identify and discuss a number of my specific concerns, drawing attention to some of the texts and aspects of Nietzsche's thought that tend to be perceived and understood (by English-speaking readers) in questionable ways to which Kaufmann's translation decisions have contributed. My larger intention is to use this "case" to underscore the need for English-speaking interpreters of Nietzsche to pay close and careful attention to what he actually says in his German texts.