"Buddenbrook" is a novel written by Thomas Mann, first published in 1901. It tells the story of the decline of a wealthy merchant family in Lübeck, Germany, over several generations. The narrative explores themes of social change, family dynamics, and the impact of economic forces on personal lives. The novel is notable for its rich character development and detailed depiction of 19th-century bourgeois life. It reflects Mann's observations on the tensions between tradition and modernity, as well as the struggles of individuals against societal expectations. "Buddenbrook" is often regarded as a classic of German literature.