A deeply divisive figure, Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) remains an enigma to this day. Infamous for his startling assertion that ‘God is dead’, he is often misrepresented and many have sought to discredit his work. In this illuminating account of Nietzsche's life and work, Robert Wicks skilfully navigates the controversy that continues to surround one of today’s most famous but least understood thinkers. Exploring the impact of Nietzsche's Christian upbringing and his eventful childhood on his beliefs, Wicks demonstrates that, far from being a nihilist, Nietzsche offers a positive and life-affirming understanding of human nature.