The Joyful Wisdom is generally considered from Nietzsche's middle phase, when his writings emphasized the virtues of science, skepticism, and intellectual discipline as paths to mental liberation. The affirmation of the Provençal tradition (invoked by the book's title) is also a happy "yea-saying" to existence. The first edition was initially published in German in 1882 and the second edition in 1887, this edition brings a reviewed and updated translation of the latter made by the Scottish critic and translator Thomas Common in 1910. Editorial Note Preface to the Second Edition Jest, Ruse and Revenge: A Prelude in Rhyme Book First Book Second Book Third Book Fourth: Sanctus Januarius Book Fifth: We Fearless Ones Appendix: Songs of Prince Free-as-a-Bird