Thomas Mann stipulated in his will that his diaries should not be published until 20 years after his death—in 1975! From everyday details like breakfast eggs to cocktails with President Roosevelt, from the contemplative Christmas season to the experiences of exile: In his preserved diaries, Mann connects the mundane with global events. He candidly discusses family disputes, illness, love for boys, politics, and literary projects.
As part of our thematic workshops "150 Years of Thomas Mann," we explore entries from his diaries and their significance in the context of his era.