2004-10-23 Greatest Book?

Look; I know it is ridiculous to say of any book that is is the greatest every written: yet, it is true of some books that they must figure in any list of the most remarkable books in history. All Nietzsche's works are thought provoking and leave his contemporaries (then and now, for so few thinkers have still caught up with him) toiling to state anything original or incisive or useful to our present milieu.
Nietzsche, unlike many big names in philosophy, charts a future clearly - not wistfully or hopefully. This makes him, in my view, the greatest of all philosophers. In this book, he criticises with an intensity, lucidity and penetration never before seen (as far as I know - and I've had a look at nearly everyone who is supposed to come close); he creates with a voice, imagery and conviction which is, again as far as I have ever read, original, witty, moving and profound.
This is the best introduction to Nietzsche there is, because it is him at his 'whirlwind' best. Whether the reader will agree or not, you cannot help but be impressed by the passion of this work.