I do not know if there is a direct connection between Mann and Wright — it would be interesting to find out — perhaps Mann knew of or had read Wright’s work? Six Months was published in 1845, well before Mountain, but I agree with you that there’s a thematic similarity between the two.

A Pedant Writes:—
The Latin long s, generally used in print and manuscript until the early 19th century, is not crossed as an f is, although it sometimes has a nub on the left side in German black letter. This is easily seen in print, although not always so readily in rough handwriting. A familiar manuscript example is the US Bill of Rights.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Bill_of_Rights

For English-speakers, the main survivals of this form are in calculus, the phonetic alphetic, and the sign for shillings, as 2/6 for half a crown. It is also familiar from the German Eszett, ß, which began life as the two forms of s, joined with a ligature.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9F

Also: what a lovely engraving of the family vault! Clearly it’s waiting for the dead to arise …

Um … can I be the first to say “no thank you!” to that one? Still … this book is a total hoot! Thanks for sharing !