The first chapter of the Thomas Mann novel, in mostly his own words.
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Every word of this book is the truth.
I have painstakingly written out all of the experiences I can recall from my marvellous journey, using my memory and notes I took carefully during my entire adventure.
Some parts are written in a style contrary to mine; those were the work of my assistant, who witnessed some things I did not. In some instances, he merely insisted on writing about a particular incident, convincing me that he could tell it in a superior way to mine. He can be very persuasive. I hope you do not feel his work is too feeble.
Some of what follows may seem wholly unbelievable. Some of it may shake your beliefs to their very core. Some of it seems almost comical, but was truly of great importance to myself – nay, to existence itself!
Yet, I assure you again it is real; all of it witnessed with my eyes, or those of my companion. Certain parts... I cannot say with certainty if they were entirely perceived accurately, for at times my perception was not entirely clear. But this is my story, unaltered and unedited.
I attest this on my life.