Thomas Mann and Neurology.

Abstract

Thomas Mann (1875-1955) is considered one of the most influential writers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. In addition to his novels and essays, he was well known for his criticisms of the Nazi party, and particularly against the racial nationalism promoted by Adolf Hitler after the First World War, as well as for his depiction of diseases. Here, we provide a quick sketch of Mann's life and his relationship with nineteenth to twentieth century German society. We then proceed to describe how Mann became interested in diseases, how he used the diseases as metaphors, and his specific contribution to the field of neurology. We describe some of the neurological cases portrayed in Mann's work, and particularly epilepsy described in The Buddenbrooks, Felix Krull and The Magic Mountain, meningitis, neurosyphilis and migraines depicted in Doctor Faustus, and essential tremor described in The Magic Mountain and Doctor Faustus. We conclude with reflections about Mann's interest in diseases and particularly in neurology.