The Story of San Michele

By Axel Munthe

Book Overview

A timeless memoir of medicine, memory, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

First published in 1929, The Story of San Michele is the autobiographical masterpiece of Swedish physician Axel Munthe, chronicling his extraordinary life as a doctor, humanitarian, and dreamer. Set largely on the island of Capri and across Europe, the book blends memoir, philosophy, travel writing, and reflection into a deeply personal narrative that has captivated readers for generations. Munthe recounts his medical career among the poor of Paris and Rome, his experiences during epidemics and wars, and his lifelong effort to build San Michele, his villa high above the sea on Capri. Along the way, he meditates on suffering, compassion, beauty, animals, art, and the fragile bond between humans and the natural world. Written in a clear, conversational style, The Story of San Michele is neither a conventional autobiography nor a strict historical account, but a literary work shaped by memory, imagination, and moral inquiry. Its enduring appeal lies in its humanity-its insistence that kindness, curiosity, and reverence for life matter more than ambition or wealth.

This Impact Books edition presents Munthe's classic work for modern readers seeking reflective nonfiction that remains emotionally and philosophically relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GGVNZNT8
• ISBN13: 9798903000142
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Impact
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.7" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

A Magnificent Raconteur

I came to this strange and wonderful book without the slightest inkling of what it was about -- simply because it was in the recommended reading for many guidebooks about Italy. First and foremost, it is an autobiography of a great physician and animal lover who just happened to spend some years of his life on Capri.Autobiographies can make for strange reading, especially when there are obvious omissions. Although Axel Munthe frequently accuses himself of being a ladies' man, there is no mention of any love interest by name or even generic description. (That reminds me of film director Josef von Sternberg's FUN IN A CHINESE LAUNDRY, where we learn in passing that the author was married because of a cryptic mention in a subordinate clause 300 pages into the book.) Also missing is any mention of Munthe's childhood, although I understand there is at least one other autobiography written by him (MEMORIES AND VAGARIES), which I have not read.There is, however, one section that does not appear in any autobiography that I have ever seen: An anticipation of Munthe's Last Judgment in Heaven following his death, with St. Peter, Moses, Athanasius, and St. Francis joining in the discussion. STORY OF SAN MICHELE ranges from Paris to Lapland, Rome, Naples, Calabria, and Capri. We see duels, medical cases of wealthy women with imaginary diseases, demonic housekeepers, quacks, midwives, prostitutes, victims of cholera and earthquakes, brigands, shamans, and even an alcoholic ape. Munthe is a magnificent raconteur, and his book is a joy to read and reread.

Many-Times-in-a-Lifetime Book

How gratifying to read the other reviews, and to learn that others have also experienced and loved this book at different times in their lives. The remarkable thing about it is how Dr. Munthe speaks to us in different ways at different ages. As a teenager, I was impressed by the passions, even though a lot of the details were above my head. In my late twenties, the way he tried to balance career and his love for San Michele was very meaningful. As a 44-year-old, I was impressed (and saddened) with the loneliness of Dr. Munthe's struggle, with really only his animals for company. While he speaks of friends, he shares little about them. And nothing about a lasting romantic involvement.We all have our San Micheles. They may not be homes, but they are ideals toward which we strive. But for me, it exists only in my mind. Dr. Munthe was in some ways very lucky, yet also cursed, to be able to bring it to life.The only frustrating aspect of "San Michele" is that it is, as its author notes, a fragment. I am interested to learn more of this fascinating man. Does anyone know if any biographies are in print, or in English? Thank you.

Unforgettable

Eighty or ninety years ago, Axel Munthe was a famous doctor. He left behind a few modest and charming reminiscences, of which "The story of the San Michele" is, in my opinion, the most interesting. The writer deliberately leaves outsides large zones of his existence; he only highlights those pertaining to his work.The unity of this book in which memories mingle according to his fancy, is achieved through the presence of two underlying motifs: his love for the nature of the south and the battle against death.A cholera epedemic in Naples, an earthquake in Messina, anywhere a doctor is needed, Munthe is present.Even in his passion for archeology, gathering ancient statues and coins, building in Capri a new home from the fragments of an illustrious past - with the architecture inspired by dreams rather than mathematics - his spirit finds a new way of celebrating the beauty of life.The book is filled with vivid and unforgettable portraits (don Antonio the priest; Maria Porta-Lettere the messenger; Rozalia, the caretaker; Mamsell Agata, the housekeeper with the putrid smile of Lazarus; Norstrom, his friend; Madame Requin, the delinquent midwife; Arcangelo Fusco, the sweeper; the Countess and the Viscount Maurice; John, the child who never laughed - and a lot many others. But the most interesting character is the doctor himself - because of the special quality of his humanity.

A gem of inspiration

I accidentally stumbled upon this book the same day having visited the Island of Capri and wanting to have visited the Villa San Michele, but unfortunately having missed it. Needing to read something in English the Italian shopkeepers wisely had a few copies in stock. I took it as a sign that the book must be bought and read. I cannot recount how many times I had tears well up in my eyes with this simple yet profound story. I fell in love with Axel Munthe and all his colourful characters both human and animal alike. Read this book and keep it close to your heart!

A book from dreamland

One of my favorite books, I re-read it almost once a year. It is not for everyone, it is for those who love to dream, who can be whisked away to a fantasy world by a skilled storyteller . . . for those who can be enchanted by goblins who give good advice, raven's blood in a child's milk, owls who prevent adultery, and housemaids who resemble vampires. It is for those who love animals and have their doubts about humans. Munthe apologizes in one of his prefaces for his egotism, and certainly I can see why he would be embarrassed: he has put his dreams into print, and rarely does he himself come off badly. But only a sourpuss would object to his distortions, for his imagination has formed a work of tremendous beauty. Munthe himself was a fascinating man, youngest doctor in the history of France, society doctor to European royalty, creator of one of the world's most beautiful houses, one of the 5 men who opened King Tut's tomb. I love his stories about Guy de Maupassant and the opera singer who died for love of him; I love his dogs who can anticipate death; I love his dream of the dispute between the saints over his salvation ("He was a doctor" -- "Heaven is full of his patients, and hell too" -- "He loved children" -- "He loved their mothers too"), and the appearance of St Francis to save him can still make me cry. But enough! If you will like this book, you should know it by now!