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This book aims to demonstrate the countervailing force of Part IV of "Zarathustra". It explores contemporary views of, firstly Zarathustra, as Part IV exposes the hypocrisy of Zarathustra's teaching in Parts I to III thereby precluding any simple identification between Nietzsche and his anti-hero. Secondly it explores views of Nietzsche, Part IV testifies to his failure, as dramatized by Zarathustra, to overcome his "decadent" cultural heritage both ancient (Christian) and modern (romantic). Zarathustra is shown to be kindred and not superior to his "higher" men. Thirdly the impact of Part IV on views of Nietzsche's philosophy are explored. Part IV demonstrates the bankruptcy of the overtly affirmative philosophy of Parts I to III on the grounds that self-overcoming is an impossible ideal. Part IV has previously been seen as a regrettable postscript, but this book aims to show that it contains the counterpoint and thus the hermeneutic key to the philosophy advanced in Parts I to III. The prevailing view of Nietzsche as anti-romantic and anti-Christian is turned on its head: Nietzsche is revealed as an unregenerate romantic of a decidedly Christian bent. The application of Nietzsche's own principle analytical tool of "backward inference" exposes Nietzsche's tirades against Schopenhauer and Wagner as a sophisticated form of self-flagellation. The contemporary picture of Nietzsche as an affirmative philosopher of self-overcoming is caricatured by the detailed portrayal of the tragic buffoon whose pessimistic Weltanschauung exceeds even Schopenhauerian dimensions.