The schoolbook about Thomas Bernhard offers a comprehensive analysis of the life and work of one of the most significant Austrian writers of the 20th century. The author, Manfred Mittermayer, highlights the various facets of Bernhard's oeuvre, which is shaped by personal experiences and the history of Austria. The publication is written in German and is aimed at students as well as literature enthusiasts who wish to engage with the themes of nihilism, scandal, and exaggeration in Bernhard's work. With 160 pages, the paperback provides a compact yet in-depth introduction to the complex world of an author who is both admired and controversially discussed. The second edition from 2006 ensures that the content is current and relevant.