Mephisto Author:Klaus Mann A savage indictment of evil, told with amazing skill, Mephisto is based on the life of the author's own brother-in-law, the celebrated German actor Gustav Gr?ndgens. — Banned in Germany for years after its initial publication, the book has become a best-seller throughout Europe with the success of the recent film version. It is the story of a man... more » obsessed with a single passion - to be a famous actor. Hendrik H?fgen, as he is called in the novel, is an unknown actor who marries to advance his career while continuing a masochistic involvement with a black dancer.
When the Nazis come to power, H?fgen, in order to keep performing, hastily renounces his Communist past and deserts both his wife and mistress, who have become political liabilities. His rapid ascent in Nazi society culminates in his triumphant performance as the demonic Mephisto, bringing him into favor with Hermann G?ring, who appoints him head of the State Theatre.
H?fgen has reached the apogee of his career--now he must face the devastating moral consequences of how he got there.
1st published 1936: this translation 1977: author died 1949 (js-7/91)« less