Bashan and I

By Thomas Mann

Book Overview

Every day, a writer and his dog set out together-through the river meadows near Munich, along familiar paths where the seasons mark their passage and small dramas unfold in the natural world. But this is no ordinary tale of man's best friend.

In Bashan, a hunting dog of uncertain pedigree and boundless enthusiasm, Thomas Mann finds both a loyal companion and an endlessly fascinating subject for contemplation. As they ramble through the landscape together, Mann observes his four-legged friend with the same penetrating insight he brings to his greatest works-noting Bashan's quirks and rituals, his hunting instincts and simple joys, the vast gulf and surprising intimacy between human consciousness and animal nature.

What emerges is a meditation on companionship across species, on the rhythms of daily life, and on the mystery of mutual devotion that requires no words. With warmth, gentle humor, and philosophical depth, Mann transforms routine walks into a profound exploration of loyalty, understanding, and the quiet contentments that sustain us.

A gem of autobiographical writing from one of the twentieth century's literary giants-intimate, wise, and deeply humane.

Newly designed and typeset by Waking Lion Press.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1434106020
• ISBN13: 9781434106025
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Waking Lion Press
• Length: 132 Pages
• Weight: 0.41 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

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.