About the book: 1969 / Thomas Mann did not lay down his arms in the post-war years, he led an open struggle against the aggressive policies of the capitalist powers. At the height of the Cold War, he defiantly left the United States and settled in Switzerland. From there he traveled to the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany, seeking to unite Germany on a democratic basis. Remaining the heir and continuer of the great traditions of German humanism, Thomas Mann, under the influence of time, bravely advocated for world peace, for a better future, for the renewal of a society that he could no longer imagine “without communist traits.” This is the result of the noble work of the great writer, the glorious beginning of which is “Buddenbrooks”. Perhaps the best novel in the “family saga” genre of German-language prose. The story of the rise and fall of the rich and powerful Buddenbrook family, which at first glance seems to embody the ideal of German virtues. The story of three generations of representatives of this clan - from the powerful and ruthless patriarch to his grandchildren, already subject to all the vices and weaknesses of intellectuals. A story of love and betrayal, enmity and intrigue, struggle and envy, frenzied passion - and burning hatred... Translation by Natalia Man. Introductory article by N. Vilmont. Notes by R. Miller-Budnitskaya. Illustrations by N. Shcheglov.