Cover of Death in Venice

Death in Venice

by Thomas Mann

First published
1912
Reading level
Plain English
Price
Free

About the book

"Death in Venice" by Thomas Mann is a novella published in 1912. It follows Gustav von Aschenbach, a disciplined writer in his fifties, who travels to Venice seeking respite. There, he becomes increasingly obsessed with Tadzio, a beautiful adolescent boy from a Polish family staying at his hotel. As Aschenbach's fascination intensifies, he abandons his former restraint and dignity. Meanwhile, a deadly cholera epidemic spreads through Venice—a danger he chooses to ignore rather than lose sight of the boy who has consumed his thoughts.

  • Venice (Italy)
  • Psychological fiction
  • Parables
  • Homosexuality
  • Middle age

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #66073. Death in Venice on Wikipedia.

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