The novel is a re-shaping of the Faust legend set in the context of the first half of the twentieth century and the turmoil of Germany in that period. The story centers on the life and work of the (fictitious) composer Adrian Leverkühn; his extraordinary intellect and creativity as a young man mark him as destined for success, but Leverkühn desires true greatness.
Et af fyrtårnene i den vestlige litteraturhistorie, Manns version af myten om konflikten mellem kærlighed og kunst, foreligger nu med et godt forord fra en relevant moderne vinkel. Denne flotte murste...