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Cover of Auto-da-Fé
Literary Fiction· Austria

Auto-da-Fé

by Elias Canetti
Aggregate Editorial Score60/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Published 1935German
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About This Book

When Elias Canetti published Auto-da-Fé in 1935, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. Auto-da-Fé is the only novel by Elias Canetti, a Nobel laureate, and is a profound exploration of madness and obsession. The story follows a reclusive scholar whose life unravels as he becomes entangled with a series of manipulative characters. Canetti's intricate narrative and psychological depth offer a compelling critique of intellectual isolation and the destructive nature of obsession. Themes of madness, obsession, intellectual isolation run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 1981.

Book Details

AuthorElias Canetti
Published1935
Country of Origin🇦🇹 Austria
LanguageGerman
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780374518790
Editorial Score60/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇦🇹 Austria

This book is part of Austria's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Auto-da-Fé presents a haunting exploration of the clash between intellect and primal instincts through the life of the reclusive scholar Peter Kien. Canetti's dense, often surreal prose mirrors Kien's descent into madness as he grapples with obsession, isolation, and the oppressive forces of society. The novel's intricate interplay of language and psychological tension illuminates the destructive potential of knowledge when divorced from human connection, making it a significant commentary on the existential dilemmas of the 20th century.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
19810
✍️
About the Author
Elias Canetti
Austria
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Elias Canetti is a Austria author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Auto-da-Fé about?

Auto-da-Fé is the only novel by Elias Canetti, a Nobel laureate, and is a profound exploration of madness and obsession. The story follows a reclusive scholar whose life unravels as he becomes entangled with a series of manipulative characters. Canetti's intricate narrative and psychological depth offer a compelling critique of intellectual isolation and the destructive nature of obsession.

Who wrote Auto-da-Fé?

Auto-da-Fé was written by Elias Canetti, from Austria. First published in 1935.

What awards has Auto-da-Fé won?

Auto-da-Fé has received the following recognition: Nobel Prize in Literature 1981.

Is Auto-da-Fé worth reading?

Auto-da-Fé is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 60/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in madness, obsession, intellectual isolation.

Where can I buy Auto-da-Fé?

You can buy Auto-da-Fé on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Auto-da-Fé?

Auto-da-Fé is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Auto-da-Fé from?

Auto-da-Fé originates from Austria's literary tradition. Explore more books from Austria on our country page.

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