Elias Canetti

Written as soon as 1933, under the influence of Hitler’s ascent to power and the ensuing flood of prohibitions “which were suitable for the creation of enthusiastic masses”, the Komödie der Eitelkeit is much more than the satire of manners suggested by the title. Starting with the basic idea of a general ban of mirrors and its effect on the human psyche, Canetti goes on to create a satirical, philosophical parable of totalitariansim generally and the mass psychoses which result from it. “I have succeeded in grabbing the century by the throat.” (Canetti)