285

Thomas Mann (1875-1955)

Doctor Faustus. Two Inscribed Copies.

Doktor Faustus: Das Leben des deutschen Tonsetzers Adrian Leverkühn, erzählt von einem Freunde. Stockholm: Bermann-Fischer, 1948. Second edition, octavo; text in German; signed and inscribed in blue ink on the front flyleaf to Therese Pol, "dies Geschenk Mann's mit meinen herzlichen Grüßen und Wischen" dated November 30th, 1948 in Pacific Palisades, California; bound in brown publisher's cloth, gilt-stamped, brown top stain; in the original printed publisher's jacket (jacket worn with front panel detached; very pale marginal toning, minor offsetting to one page; losses to topstain, two small stains and scratch to fore-edge, front fly leaf lightly toned); with three publisher's advertisement slips and an order form laid in at rear; 7 ½ x 4 3/8 in.

[Together with] Doctor Faustus: The Life of the German Composer Adreian Leverkühn as told by a Friend. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1948. Stated first American edition, octavo; signed and inscribed in blue ink on the front flyleaf to Red[?] Marberry, "with best wishes for his health and kindest personal regards" dated October 23rd, 1948 in the Pacific Palisades; bound in publisher's black cloth, front board stamped in blind, gilt-lettered spine, red topstain; with the unclipped publisher's dust jacket (jacket worn, front panel detached with significant repairs to verso, lacking spine panel; scattered minor stains, last few leaves waved from damp; stains to cloth, extremities bumped, endpapers lightly toned, two small stains to fore-edge); 8 3/8 x 5 ½ in. 

Thomas Mann's final and greatest work is a complex retelling of Goethe's Faust legend, set in the tumultuous period preceding the rise of National Socialism in Germany. An outspoken critic of the Nazi regime, Mann fled the country to Switzerland when Hitler was elected chancellor in 1933. He remained abroad, continuing to condemn the party throughout the Second World War. From 1941 until 1953 he sought refuge in the Pacific Palisades of California, where both these books were inscribed.

(2)

  • Condition: Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

April 23, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000