Doctor Faustus by Thomas Mann

The Life of the German Composer Adrian Leverkühn, Told by a Friend

The novel is a reimagining of the Faust legend set in the context of the first half of the 20th century and the turmoil of Germany in that period. It tells the story of a composer who makes a pact with the devil, exchanging his soul for unlimited creative genius. The protagonist's life and work reflect the cultural and political journey of Germany leading up to World War II, providing a deep exploration of the individual's role in a society undergoing dramatic change. The novel is also a profound meditation on the nature of time, the art and the artist, and the destructiveness of human ambition.

The 135th greatest book of all time


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Published
1947
Nationality
German
Length
Long
Pages
500-700
Original Language
German
Avg User Rating
(3.8)
Alternate Titles
- Doktor Faustus
- Doktor Faustus; Das Leben Des Deutschen Tonsetzers Adrian Leverkuhn Erzahlt Von Seinem Freunde; Stockholmer Gesamtausgabe Der Werke Von Thomas Mann
- Doutor Fausto

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