Synopses & Reviews
Key dimensions of Thomas Mann's writing and life are explored in this collection of specially commissioned essays. In addition to introductory chapters on all the main works of fiction and the essays and diaries, there are four chapters examining Mann's oeuvre in relation to major themes. A final chapter looks at the pitfalls of translating Mann into English. The essays are well supported by supplementary material including a chronology of the period and detailed guides to further reading.
Review
"...a useful and readable volume that will appeal to students of Mann's writings and those who seek introductory interpretations of his works." Monatshefte"Written by a group of outstanding scholars familiar with the works of Mann and edited by one of the foremost literary scholars in the field, te essays in this collection are based on the most recent criticism and revelations about Mann...and apply a variety of approaches to Mann's work. A must for all college and university libraries." Choice
About the Author
Ritchie Robertson is Professor of German at Oxford University and Fellow and Tutor of St Johnâs College, Oxford. He is the author of Kafka: Judaism, Politics, and Literature (1985) and Heine (1988), which have also been published in German translation, and The âJewish Questionâin German Literature, 1749 1939 (1999). He has also published numerous translations from German, including works by Heine and Hoffmann. He is an editor of The Modern Language Review.
Table of Contents
Chronology; 1. Mann in history T. J. Reed; 2. Mannâs intellectual world Paul Bishop; 3. Mannâs literary techniques Michael Minden; 4. Mannâs manâs world: gender and sexuality Andrew Webber; 5. Thomas Mannâs early novellas Mark M. Anderson; 6. Classicism and its pitfalls: Death in Venice Ritchie Robertson; 7. The personal becomes political: Disorder and Early Sorrow and Mario and the Magician Alan Bance; 8. Buddenbrooks: between realism and aestheticism Judith Ryan; 9. The Magic Mountain Michael Beddow; 10. Religion and culture: Joseph and his Brothers Wolf-Daniel Hartwich; 11. Doctor Faustus Susan Von Rohr Scaff; Lotte in Wiemar Yahya Elsaghe; 13. The Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man Frederick Lubich; 14. Mann as essayist Hinrich Siefken; 15. Mann as diarist T. J. Reed; 16. Mann in English Timothy Buck.