Nietzsche's second of his 'Untimely Meditations' is not only important for philosophers but has also significantly influenced the contemplation of history. The "historical essay," as it is often called, is light, frequently ironic, spirited, and persuasive, often even captivating, and leads directly to the heart of Nietzsche's philosophy, according to the editor Günter Figal. An informed afterword introduces the work and its reception. For the first time, the often literary allusions and references are broken down in a dedicated line commentary.