Thomas Mann’s novel tetralogy, written in 1926–1943, in detail retells the biblical story of Joseph the Righteous. By the author’s will, the Old Testament plot is placed in the historical context of the 18th ancient Egyptian dynasty’s reign; and Joseph’s story in the novel unfolds during the reign of Amenhotep III and his son Amenhotep IV, known as Akhenaten. Mann considered the novel his best work.
Composition of the tetralogy:
Prologue. Descent into Hell
Book 1. The Past of Jacob
Book 2. The Young Joseph
Book 3. Joseph in Egypt
Book 4. Joseph the Provider