Rating: 
Summary: A great way to learn the basics of Nietzsche's philosophy
Review: Strathern's book on Nietzsche provides a nice, easily readable summary of Nietzsche's life and work. Much of the book is devoted to his personal life, which brings the man to life. But his main philosophical ideas are also covered. Strathern also shows how Nietzsche's work fits into the bigger picture of philosophy. It is a great read for someone who wants to learn the basics of Nietzsche but who doesn't have much time.
Rating: 
Summary: Strathern's Cute Little Series is Getting Worse
Review: Strathern's books appeal to two main types of readers: (1) Curious newbies who would like to dip their feet in philosophy and/or science; and (2) Lazy intellectuals who want to learn everything about everything without doing any real work. Either group will be ill-served by this book, which treats important ideas in a smug and cursory manner. The best introduction to Nietzsche is probably "The Gay Science", by Nietzsche himself. He's a much more powerful, disturbing, and beautiful writer than Strathern would have you believe.
Rating: 
Summary: This is not a good book
Review: The author considers himself to be able to explain Nietzsche's
philosophy in 60 pages. He does not achieve this, and dares to
write things like: "eternal recurrence is simply poetry, a worthless idea". I do not recommend this book to anyone who wants to start reading Nietzsche, instead try "Nietzsche for Begginers"
Rating: 
Summary: A few more minutes needed
Review: The majority of this book gives a biographical sketch of his life and is well done, particularly in being against Anti-Semitism and his relation to Wagner. It is generally lighthearted (but I sure wouldn't agree that Dostoevsky and Hesse are unreadable unless you're a teenager). Perhaps a few more "minutes" could have been spent on his key philosophical concepts, with just 2 pages on "The Will To Power", and three on "The Superman". Since Nietzsche wrote in aphorisms he would seem to be ideal for an abbreviated work, but his ideas do not come through here. Readers of this may enjoy his short piece "The Madman". I think more post-WW II or post-modern treatment of Nietzsche would have been helpful. Favorite quote from the book "Beware of syphilitics preaching morals" - Saul Bellow, Herzog. A few quotes not included in the book:
"That which does not kill you makes you stronger".
"The time for petty politics is over: the very next century will bring the fight for dominion of the earth - the compulsion of large-scale politics".
"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. When you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you".
Rating:
Summary: Good introduction
Review: This bite size morsel of a book is a great way to acquaint oneself with the basics of the philosopher's thought. I strongly suggest one read Strather's series of books. They make for an enjoyable read, and leave one feeling invigorated and ready to take on any philosopher.
Rating: 
Summary: Got me an 'A' in philosophy
Review: This is really not a good book if you are really interested in what Nietzsche was all about. If you are trying to throw together a paper that needs a bunch of quotes, however...I wanted an idea of what I was getting myself into before I clawed my way thru "Thus Spake Zarathustra" and this was just the book to get my attention. Some of my favorite quotes by Nietzsche aren't included, but they really aren't that important for achieving a basic understanding. If you are really into philosophy, you probably aren't buying the "90 Minute" books. If you are doing graduate level work, you'd better not be in the "90 Minute" books. If you're taking philosophy at a community college just because you like taking classes, this book may save you a lot of time. I liked it, I still use it, but I don't rely on it!
Rating:
Summary: No philosophy; plenty of gossip
Review: Well, Strathern is certainly entertaining, if not informative. He gives us the dirt on each philosopher, tells us who was overweight, cheap, pushed people around, etc. This would be great if we were reading about movie stars or politicians but I bought these books in order to understand something about what these philosophers thought. He does reserve a few pages at the end of each volume to tells us one or two of their ideas and gives us a handful of quotes. A total waste of money unless you hate your philosophy classes so much that you want to hear how awful the personal lives of the philosophers were. A new low in publishing.
Rating:
Summary: Read this book if you're curious about Nietzsche...
Review: With all of the volumes and volumes of essays and novels written about such a great man, one can see how difficult it would be to condense a summary into an overview about as big as Cliffs Notes. However, Paul Strathern does a fine job. When I first opened the book, I was turned off by the seemingly strong and objective views of the author who was supposed to take a neutral perspective, until I realized that he was merely taking on the stance of many generalizations of the public. His wit and sarcasm make this a very enjoyable and easy to read introduction. It is clear and concise and even includes insightful little stories. A humorous and excellent timesaver for those who merely want to satisfy their curiousity. An even better jump off point for those who've found themselves curious and hooked.
Rating:
Summary: Shallow and Fatuous
Review: You get little more than a thumbnail sketch of Nietzsche's life in this useless little book. Mr. Strathern's has no real understanding of Nietzsche's philosophy, a fact that he tries to hide under glib flippancy. If you are truly interested in learning about Nietzsche and his work, I recommend Nietzsche's Teaching by Laurence Lampert, Nietzsche's Gift by Harold Alderman, and of course Thus Spoke Zarathustra, by the mad genius himself.
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