2

Theodor Fontane's novel Effi Briest is often taught at German schools. The Wikipedia article about the novel has a section on the novel's legacy which says,

[Thomas] Mann said that if one had to reduce one's library to six novels, Effi Briest would have to be one of them.

The source for that statement is identified as "Mann, Thomas (1968). Das essayistische Werk". However, that is actually a set of eight volumes. (The Spanish Wikipedia article about the novel also contains this claim, but no source is given.) Which specific essay or publication included in that work contains the claim mentioned above?

(I have worded the question as "... in his library", even though the quote does not seem to refer to Mann's own book collection, because I assume that the books he has in mind were actually in his library. However, I consider this detail less important than the actual source of the statement.)

1 Answer 1

3

Thomas Mann's article "To Theodor Fontane's 100th Birthday" was published in Berliner Tageblatt on 25-Dec-1919. There you can find the quote:

Eine Romanbibliothek der rigorosesten Auswahl, und beschränkt man sie auf ein Dutzend Bände, auf zehn, auf sechs – sie dürfte „Effi Briest“ nicht vermissen lassen.

which translates ~

A novel library of the most rigorous selection, and even if it is limited to a dozen volumes, to ten, to six - it shouldn't miss "Effi Briest".

You can read the article using the DFG-Viewer.

Hoping that print-screen is allowed, here is the page from Berliner Tageblatt:
Mann's article

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.