A gem of Thomas Mann’s creative legacy. Perhaps the best novel in the genre of the “family saga” of German-language prose. The story of the rise and fall of the wealthy and powerful Buddenbrook family—seemingly, at first glance, embodying the ideal of German virtues. The story of three generations of members of this clan—from a domineering and ruthless patriarch to his grandchildren, already subject to all the vices and weaknesses of intellectuals. A story of love and betrayals, enmity and intrigue, struggle and envy, wild passion—and bitter hatred…