"The Buddenbrooks" 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 shifts on personal lives. The novel follows the lives of the Buddenbrook family members, particularly Thomas Buddenbrook and his brother Christian. As they navigate their personal ambitions and societal expectations, the family's fortunes wane, reflecting the broader changes in 19th-century European society. The book is considered a classic of modern literature.