ABSTRACT
This chapter explores an idea that translations can be considered to be paratexts to the work in the original language, as evoked by Genette. It asks what the notion of 'authorised translation' means and takes the English translations of Nietzsche's works as a case study through which to explores the questions raised by the phenomenon in more detail. The chapter explores the case of the so-called 'first' authorised English translation of Nietzsche's works, examines the grounds on which authorisation was originally claimed, and explores the way in which those grounds became problematic for the reception of Nietzsche's work in England. It reflects on connections – or lack of – between authorisation and paratextual value. The claim to authorisation is repeated at the end of each book through the reproduction of a standard template giving the list of translations in the series, under the heading 'The works of Friedrich Nietzsche: First Complete and Authorised English Translation'.
