The Birth of Tragedy
Nietzsche's consuming interest in philosophy, however, soon overcame his work in philology. His first published book, "The Birth of Tragedy", effectively ended his career as professor. "Ritschl dismissed the book as "geistreich Schweinerei", 'brilliant bull.' " Enrollment in Nietzsche's classes briefly suffered in the wake of the book's poor reception by Classics professionals generally. He retired due to migraines and other physical disabilities at the age of thirty-five. Ritschl's prophecy had been the direct opposite of the course of events.