Thomas Mann (1875–1955) – Seminar zum 150. Geburtstag

In the organizer's words:

Venue: Haus Schlesien, Dollendorfer Str. 412, 53639 Königswinter-Heisterbacherrott

When Lübeck-born Thomas Mann presented the manuscript of his first novel to his publisher Samuel Fischer (1859-1934), he was anything but enthusiastic. The strongly autobiographical family history seemed too extensive to him - the enormous length of over 800 printed pages, combined with an inevitably high sales price, would tend to put off potential readers.

Nevertheless, Fischer decided to publish the book. The then 26-year-old author had already published a number of novellas with his publishing house, which had appealed to the publisher, who focused on sophisticated literature. So "Buddenbrooks. Verfall einer Familie" was an unexpected success after the first edition was published in 1901 - and established Thomas Mann's worldwide fame, which manifested itself at the latest when he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1929.

Mann also positioned himself politically throughout his life, although he saw himself primarily as an artist. Particularly after his forced emigration in 1933 following the National Socialist takeover, he was repeatedly the target of politically motivated attacks. Living in the USA from 1938 and later in Switzerland, he was nevertheless regarded as one of the leading voices in German-language literature until his death in 1955.

The seminar approaches various aspects of Thomas Mann's life and work from different perspectives - both as a writer and as a public figure. Contributions are planned from Michael Zeller, Prof. Dr. Michael Braun, Prof. Dr. Winfrid Halder, Dr. Katja Schlenker and others.

A detailed program will be announced as soon as possible.

Participation fee: 145 € per person (1 overnight stay with breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner, coffee, mineral water and pastries during breaks), without overnight stay 90 € per person, for members of the HAUS SCHLESIEN association 125 € or 80 €.

Limited number of participants! Registration is therefore mandatory at kultur@hausschlesien.de or 02244/886231

When registering, please state the keyword "Thomas Mann" as well as your name(s) and contact details.

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Price information:

Participation fee: 145 € per person (1 overnight stay with breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner, coffee, mineral water and pastries during breaks), without overnight stay 90 € per person, for members of the HAUS SCHLESIEN association 125 € or 80 €.