"LOVE'S UTMOST INTENSITY" – Thomas Mann and Paul Ehrenberg

  • The full story of Thomas Mann and painter Paul Ehrenberg, told for the first time using new sources.

"One cannot experience love more intensely", wrote Thomas Mann in 1943 about his relationship with Paul Ehrenberg. The two met in 1899 in a Munich salon. Ehrenberg was studying animal painting, while Mann was an editor at Simplicissimus working on his first novel, Buddenbrooks. Their meeting drew the reserved Mann out of his shell. Paul showed him the lively side of Munich, introducing him to coffeehouses and carnival balls in Schwabing.

Their close friendship lasted several years. Even after their paths diverged in 1933 – Paul stayed in Germany and adapted to the Nazis, while Mann went into exile – they remained significant to each other. Oliver Fischer details their life stories, which culminate in Mann's novel Doctor Faustus. In it, Mann immortalizes his love for Paul as the conflicted violinist Rudi Schwerdtfeger, who is killed by a jealous lover.

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  • Publisher: Rowohlt Hardcover
  • Release: 12.11.2024
  • ISBN: 978-3-498-00389-0
  • 304 Pages
  • Author: Oliver Fischer

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Buchcover von "LOVE'S UTMOST INTENSITY" – Thomas Mann and Paul Ehrenberg: Thomas Mann und Paul Ehrenberg
Oliver Fischer "LOVE'S UTMOST INTENSITY" – Thomas Mann and Paul Ehrenberg
Portrait von Oliver Fischer
© Artur Fischer-Meny
Oliver Fischer

Oliver Fischer , born in 1970, studied German literature, art history, and Catholic theology. He works as a freelance journalist in Hamburg, contributing to publications such as  Geo Epoche and Merian . In 2016, he founded the Thomas Mann Society Hamburg , of which he is the chairman.