Herr und Hund

By Thomas Mann

Book Overview

Bashan and I is the moving story of Thomas Mann's relationship with his spirited German short-haired pointer. From their first encounter at a local farm, Mann reveals how he slowly grows to love this energetic, loyal, and intelligent animal. Taking daily walks in the nearby parkland, Mann begins to understand and appreciate Bashan as a living being, witnessing his native delight in chasing rabbits, deer, and squirrels along with his careful investigations of stones, fallen branches, and clumps of wet leaves. As their bond deepens, Mann is led to contemplate Bashan's inner life, and marvels at the ease with which his dog trusts him, completely putting his life into his master's hands.

Over time, the two develop a deep mutual understanding, but for Mann, there is always a sense of loss at never being able to enter the private world of his dear friend, and he slowly becomes conscious of the eternal divide between mankind and the rest of nature. Nonetheless, the unique relationship quietly moves to the forefront of Mann's life, and when master and companion are briefly separated, Mann is taken aback by the depth of his loneliness without his dog. It is this deep affection for another living creature that helps the writer to reach a newfound understanding of the nature of love, in all its complexity.

First published in 1916 and translated into English in 1923, Bashan and I was heralded for its simple telling of how a dog became a priceless companion, an animal who brought meaning to the author's life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812218337
• ISBN13: 9780812218336
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Pine Street Books
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.9" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Bashan and I

This is not only the best book ever in this genre (admitedtly there are some terrible examples of dog memoires), but it is also extremely fine literature, worth reading even for non-dog people and a real treat for dog people. Thomas Mann was a great writer, and his grace and elegance are delightfully on display here.

A Man and His Dog

This is a poor translation, unfortunately, of a great essay. I would suggest finding a copy of "A Man and His Dog" which is contained in most popular collections of Mann's short stories. e.g. "Death in Venice (and seven other stories)" Translated of course by someone else.

Among the best animal stories of all time

With its great love and warmth, this book is a very special gift to readers: a great writer turning his attention to something commonplace--the relationship between a pet and its owner--resulting in a story that is not sentimental, hackneyed, or sweet, but a moving exploration of the love between animals and humans. Just reading Mann's simple description of how he speaks his dog's name, Bashan, and the electricity that name sends through his pet, is worth every penny.