The immense influence that the thinking of Theodor W. Adorno (1903-1969) exerted on both West German and international philosophy is primarily based on his Dialectic of Enlightenment, co-authored with Max Horkheimer in exile. In this book, the two leading representatives of Critical Theory demonstrate how the project of liberating humanity from the constraints of myth led to the self-destruction of Enlightenment. Gerhard Schweppenhäuser traces the connections between the various fields of work of the philosopher, sociologist, critic, and composer, starting with Thomas Mann's Doctor Faustus, which was heavily influenced by Adorno, up to Adorno's engagement with the culture industry.