Mann, Heinrich

Mann, Heinrich (hīn'rikh män) [key], 1871–1950, German novelist; older brother of Thomas Mann. He was a prolific author; themes of social criticism dominate his works. The Poor (1917, tr. 1917) and The Chief (1925, tr. 1925) deal with regeneration through democracy. The famous Professor Unrat (1905; tr. The Blue Angel, 1932, Small Town Tyrant, 1944) tells of the degeneration of a professor through his love for a corrupt woman and of his attempt, in turn, to corrupt others. Die Göttinnen (3 vol., 1902–4; tr. The Goddess, 1918, Diana, 1929) explores sensuality and perversity. The theme of the artist as decadent is found in the novellas of Flöten und Dolche (2 vol., 1904–5).

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

• • Cite
  • Print