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Der Tod in Venedig [Death in Venice]
Thomas Mann
Fischer, Berlin · 1913
First Edition. First trade edition of one of the supreme short fictional works of the 20th century, only comparable in its iconic status with its exact contemporary - Kafka's 'Die Verwandlung' (Metamorphosis). Also considered to be the greatest piece of gay fiction ever.
Unforgettably rendered in film by Visconti with Dirk Bogarde slowly dying to the plangent strains of Mahler. This first trade edition (after 60 signed and numbered copies) comprised just 1,000 copies. Such copies make no mention of edition.
Thereafter the book was reprinted in batches of 1,000, and those copies bear the mention Zweite/Dritte/Vierte/Funfte/Sechste Auflage etc on the title verso. This copy is one of the very first 1,000 - an extremely rare and desirable item. Publisher's half-vellum binding with blue paper spine label lettered in gilt.
Marbled paper-covered boards, top edge gilt, integral silk marker. Minimal browning to spine vellum and trivial shelf scuffing to bottom corners else a very clean and perfectly sound copy of this miniature masterpiece.
Written by Dr Jeremy Parrott, who has the book in his hands. Nothing here is generated from a catalogue record.
Bibliographic detail
| Author | Mann, Thomas |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Fischer, Berlin |
| Date | 1913 |
| Edition | First Edition |
| Binding | Hardcover |
| Condition | Very Good Indeed |
| Stock reference | ab_225432994 |