Beyond Good and Evil is among the most comprehensive of Nietzsche's works. No significant themes are missing, and the discussion of many topics is much more extensive (and often more “philosophical”) than is found elsewhere. Beyond Good and Evil (let us just say Beyond) is thus an ideal setting off point for understanding Nietzsche's thought in general. Moreover, its structure demands that we attempt to understand connections that are not always apparent in other works, and thus are often overlooked even in the literature on Nietzsche. I refer to the hidden relationships that run between Nietzsche's treatment of metaphysics, psychology, philosophical methodology, style, the project of a history and physiology of value, and political and social analysis. However, that Beyond is an ideal starting point for studying Nietzsche does not necessarily mean that it is the easiest of Nietzsche's books to understand; indeed, Nietzsche represented his own next book, Genealogy of Morality, as a “clarification” of Beyond. Beyond Good and Evil thus contains in miniature the considerable problem of reading Nietzsche in general: namely, reading him as at least akin to a systematic philosopher.

This book has two main aims. First, to be a helpful guide and introduction to Nietzsche, and particularly helpful for someone attempting to read Beyond Good and Evil. With it, readers should be able to “raise their game” and thus be able to approach both Beyond Good and Evil, and other books by Nietzsche, with perception and well-informed judgement.