Bashan and I

Thomas Mann

2021년 12월 · Otbebookpublishing

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Bashan and I is the moving story of Thomas Mann's relationship with his spirited German short-haired pointer. From their first encounter at a local farm, Mann reveals how he slowly grows to love this energetic, loyal, and intelligent animal. Taking daily walks in the nearby parkland, Mann begins to understand and appreciate Bashan as a living being, witnessing his native delight in chasing rabbits, deer, and squirrels along with his careful investigations of stones, fallen branches, and clumps of wet leaves. As their bond deepens, Mann is led to contemplate Bashan's inner life, and marvels at the ease with which his dog trusts him, completely putting his life into his master's hands. Over time, the two develop a deep mutual understanding, but for Mann, there is always a sense of loss at never being able to enter the private world of his dear friend, and he slowly becomes conscious of the eternal divide between mankind and the rest of nature. Nonetheless, the unique relationship quietly moves to the forefront of Mann's life, and when master and companion are briefly separated, Mann is taken aback by the depth of his loneliness without his dog. It is this deep affection for another living creature that helps the writer to reach a newfound understanding of the nature of love, in all its complexity. First published in 1919 and translated into English in 1923, Bashan and I was heralded for its simple telling of how a dog became a priceless companion, an animal who brought meaning to the author's life. (Goodreads)

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Thomas Mann, born on June 6, 1875, in Lübeck, Germany, is a towering figure in 20th-century literature, renowned for his profound explorations of the human psyche and the socio-political landscapes of his time. Mann's early life was steeped in the cultural richness of a bourgeois family, which profoundly influenced his literary voice. His works often delve into themes of decadence, the conflict between spirit and flesh, and the complexities of modernity.Mann's magnum opus, "The Magic Mountain," is a seminal work that captures the existential crises of pre-World War I Europe. His acute observations and philosophical depth earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1929. Mann's political engagement became more pronounced with the rise of Nazism, against which he stood as a vocal critic. His exile to the United States in 1933 marked a significant period where he continued to write and speak against totalitarianism, influencing contemporary writers and intellectuals.Controversially, Mann's personal life was marked by his complex sexuality, which he candidly explored in his diaries, revealing a struggle that resonates with today's discussions on LGBTQ+ identities. His revolutionary ideas on art, politics, and human nature continue to inspire and challenge readers and writers alike. Mann's legacy is not just in his literary masterpieces but in his unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom and moral integrity, making him a timeless figure in world literature.