Die Geburt der Tragödie (The Birth of Tragedy).

NIETZSCHE, Friedrich.

Verlag: Ernst Schmeitzner, Chemnitz, 1878

Beschreibung

TP + [III]-IV + [1]-144, Octavo. The famous Second Edition, First Issue of Nietzsche's first book. (Schaberg 30). The Rare 1878 SECOND Edition of Nietzsche's Birth of Tragedy.Less than 175 original copies released in this state (see details below). NOTE: In 30 years, I have seen only one other copy of this 1878 issue and that was in the Weimar Archive.The eight months from February to October of 1874 were a time of great turmoil. Fritzsch was approaching bankruptcy and Nietzsche had to deal not only with the projected third essay in his series, but also with the fate of the three books he had already published: Fritzsch owned all of the copies.The problems began in earnest when Fritzsch printed the long-anticipated second edition of The Birth of Tragedy. The first edition had not been out a year before Fritzsch suggested that revisions should be started so that a new printing could begin in the first months of 1873. Nietzsche agreed. He edited and authorized the second edition during a visit to his publisher's office in Leipzig in late December of 1872. However, by March of 1873 there was still no second edition and Nietzsche wrote to Rohde that some problem with the printer was "not yet settled, therefore a long delay over the second edition." In fact, the printers were on strike and the delay became so protracted that it was decided to postpone the new edition until the second Observation had been printed and published.Finally, in March of 1874, the printing of the second edition of The Birth of Tragedy was completed, incorporating Nietzsche's corrections. The modifications were primarily cosmetic-the most substantive change being that these minor modifications added one page to the length of the book which now numbered 144 rather than the 143 pages of the first edition. Once again, Fritzsch ordered an odd press run-receiving 750 copies of the book from the printer, C. G. Naumann.It is unlikely that the books were bound at this time, but if they were, it is clear that no copies were actually sold. Fritzsch claimed that the volume would not be ready for release until the spring of 1875. Nietzsche, in an attempt to collect his honorarium, apparently accused his publisher of selling copies of the second edition. Fritzsch vehemently denied this and wrote back angrily challenging him to "question both the printer and the bookbinder to find out if I have already sold any copies of the second printing." The books remained in the warehouse for another four years before finally being offered to the public. (Schaberg, The Nietzsche Canon, pp. 51-53) As issued with Schmeitzner's label canceling out Fritzsch's imprint. In this particular copy Schmeitzner's cancel does not quite cover up Fritzsch's imprint: almost half of the letter "V" is still visible to the left of the label. Bound contemporary half-leather with marbled boards and gilt lettering on the spine. Very slight wear to the edges and corners. All in all, a very good copy of a very rare book. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 821

Bibliografische Details

Titel: Die Geburt der Tragödie (The Birth of ...

Verlag: Ernst Schmeitzner, Chemnitz

Erscheinungsdatum: 1878

Auflage: SECOND EDITION.