In
Death in Venice, Thomas Mann masterfully explores the interplay of beauty, desire, and the inexorable pull of mortality. The novella follows Gustav von Aschenbach, a renowned but reserved writer, as he journeys to the luminous city of Venice in search of inspiration and rest. Amid the city’s shimmering canals and decaying grandeur, Aschenbach becomes captivated by Tadzio, a strikingly beautiful young boy whose presence awakens a profound and unsettling longing.
As the oppressive heat of summer descends and a silent plague grips the city, Aschenbach’s infatuation intensifies, drawing him into a spiral of obsession and existential reckoning. Through lyrical prose and haunting imagery, Mann crafts a tale that interrogates the fragility of human desire, the impermanence of beauty, and the tension between discipline and surrender.
This special Carlini Classics annotated print edition of
Death in Venice offers an enriched reading experience, featuring:
- An insightful biography of Thomas Mann
- An annotated guide to Mann’s other major works
At its core,
Death in Venice is a profound meditation on the human condition, artistry, and the costs of passion. Mann’s exquisite storytelling continues to captivate readers with its depth, poignancy, and timeless relevance. This beautifully annotated edition invites both new and returning readers to explore the novella with fresh perspectives, reflecting on its enduring themes of beauty, decay, and the tragic pursuit of perfection.
