Death in Venice and Other Tales

By: Thomas Mann, Joachim Neugroschel - Translator

Narrated by: Paul Hecht

Joachim Neugroschel’s brilliant new translation lets you enjoy the work of Nobel-Laureate Thomas Mann as never before. By using creative, contemporary language, Neugroschel reinterprets Mann for modern English-speaking audiences. The author’s superb literary craftsmanship, his psychological insight, and the deeply erotic content of his work shine forth in this definitive English-language version of some of his most celebrated short works.

This collection features the world masterpiece Death in Venice, with its controversial passages now restored. You will find fresh relevance in the story of an aging writer’s uncontrollable and humiliating passion, and the other poignant tales included here. These works subtly explore the great themes of Mann’s fiction—his mythic fascination with sexual inhibition and artistic creativity.

©1998 Translation by Joachim Neugroschel (P)1999 Recorded Books

A thin line

This is a cautionary tale warning us about desire for what can not be and living too much in our own heads.

Deep, Observative Writer Narrated Perfectly

Would you consider the audio edition of Death in Venice and Other Tales to be better than the print version?

I am extremely pleased with this purchase. The narrator did an amazing job with this. This was my first reading/listening of Mann and I want to read or hear more. Preferably listen. Though I don't see much more of Mann. I really wish Audible would do the Magic Mountain.

Any additional comments?

PLEASE make an audible book of The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann.

Well Done

The book is read well and it always has been a classic, but due to its short length, I forget what happens. So then I can read it again. The other short stories included with it are very, very good. Now if someone could read Dr. Faustus to me to make it understandable . . . . . .

Beautifully done

Having done German to English and English to German translations myself, I particularly appreciated the late Joachim Neugroschel's brief explanation of the challenges he faced in translating Mann. As he said, "Each author has his melodies, and each style, each language, its own music." (Those who are not interested in this can easily chapter-skip to the first story!)

The collection includes: The Will for Happiness, Tristan, Little Herr Friedemann, Tobias Mindernickel, Little Lizzie, Gladius Dei, The Starvelings, The Wunderkind, The Harsh Hour, Tonio Kroeger, The Blood of the Walsungs, and Death in Venice.

Mann is not an easy author to read, and these stories and two novellas are not the light entertainment provided by some collections of short pieces. However, whether or not one likes what he has to say, he is a thought-provoking writer and rarely leaves one unmoved.

His characters are unlikely to be forgotten. Since I first read the stories many years ago, I have never forgotten the tragic figure of Friedemann , the incestuous twins Sieglinde and Siegmund Aarenhold, the religious zealot Hieronymous, or Kroeger, the "artist who must die to everyday life."

Paul Hecht's narration is wonderful, both in his characterizations and pronunciation of German. He was a joy to listen to from start to finish.

Mann in translation on audio is not easy to find, so if you've been curious about his writing, make this collection your introduction. Don't be put off by the reams of literary interpretations and speculations out there. Listen to the stories for yourself. You may be surprised at what you find.

I bought a copy of the book

A wonderful performance of some great literature that inspires. It must be well translated, because it flows and sounds lyrical. The imagery is poignant and tangible. I bought a copy of the book so I can revisit in print. Thanks!