Confessions of Felix Krull is an unfinished novel begun by German author Thomas Mann, with the first part published in 1954. The story is told from the perspective of its main character, Felix Krull, a young man who deceives his way through life.

The narrative details Krull's early exploits, beginning with his avoidance of military service and his move to France. There, he secures employment at a high-class hotel, progressing from an elevator operator to a waiter. Utilizing his natural charisma, attractive appearance, and sharp intellect, Krull gains the affection and financial support of a wealthy writer. His adventures continue as he encounters the young Marquis de Venosta and agrees to assist him with romantic matters, even substituting for him on a global journey.

Mann had conceived of the novel much earlier, inspired by the autobiographies of a Romanian con artist. The character of Felix Krull first appeared in a short story from 1911, which was later included in a collection. Mann expanded this story into the novel, but his death in 1955 left the saga of the morally ambiguous Felix Krull incomplete. The novel is also noted as a parody of Goethe's autobiography, particularly in its grandiloquent style.

Thomas Mann's 'Confessions of Felix Krull' draws significant inspiration from the autobiographical writings of Georges Manolescu, a Romanian con artist. Mann's initial idea for the character dates back to 1905, with the character first appearing in a short story penned in 1911. This story was eventually published in 1936. The novel itself is structured as a parody, specifically targeting the grandiose tone found in Goethe's autobiography, 'Poetry and Truth'. The original German title, 'Bekenntnisse des Hochstaplers Felix Krull. Der Memoiren, erster Teil', directly translates to 'Confessions of the Imposter Felix Krull. Memoirs, Part One', highlighting its memoir-like structure and the protagonist's fraudulent nature.

The novel is narrated by its protagonist, Felix Krull, an adventurer and impostor. Krull is depicted as the son of a bankrupt winemaker from the Rhineland. The story follows his journey as he evades military conscription and travels to France. In Paris, he finds employment in a luxurious hotel, initially as an elevator attendant and later as a waiter. Krull's success stems from his innate charm, good looks, and subtle intelligence, which enable him to easily manipulate and gain favor with wealthy individuals, such as a rich writer from whom he secures both affection and financial gain. His escapades extend to assisting a young Marquis named de Venosta in his romantic pursuits, even undertaking a world tour in the Marquis's stead.

Thomas Mann worked on 'Confessions of Felix Krull' for many years, with the concept originating in 1905. The character of Felix Krull was first introduced in a short story in 1911, which was later published in 1936. Mann expanded this initial work into a full novel, completing and publishing the first part in 1954. However, the author's death in 1955 meant that the planned continuation of Krull's story, detailing the life of the morally flexible and captivating conman, remained unfinished. The novel's publication history includes an English translation titled 'Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man: The Early Years'.