Walter Kaufmann (1921–1980) was a German-American philosopher, translator, and poet, primarily known for his scholarly work on Friedrich Nietzsche and his translations of existentialist philosophers. Born in Freiburg, Germany, he emigrated to the United States in 1939 to escape the growing threat of Nazi Germany. Kaufmann was a prolific author who made significant contributions to philosophy, particularly in the reevaluation of Nietzsche's work during the mid-20th century. He is often credited with rehabilitating Nietzsche's reputation post-World War II, rescuing it from misinterpretation and association with Nazi ideology. Kaufmann emphasized the complex nature of Nietzsche's thought and the importance of his philosophical contributions, which he brought to an English-speaking audience through his translations. In addition to his work on Nietzsche, Kaufmann also wrote on existentialism, religion, and the philosophy of tragedy. His translations of existentialist authors, including Nietzsche, Goethe, and Kierkegaard, are widely respected for their accuracy and readability. He spent the majority of his academic career at Princeton University, where he influenced a generation of students and scholars. His original works and translations continue to be a valuable resource for students and scholars of philosophy.