Hermann Hesse

Hesse's interests in existential, spiritual, and mystical themes and Buddhist and Hindu philosophy may be seen in his works.

Born on July 2, 1877 in Calw, Württemberg, Hesse emigrated to Switzerland in 1912 and in 1923 became a Swiss citizen.

A staunch pacifist, Hesse opposed World War I strongly, the residual fallout of his feelings towards war can be seen in many of his books. During World War II his writings found strange allies. German propagandist Joseph Goebbels initially defended Hesse's books, and as a result he was allowed to continue writing unmolested. However, after he demanded that certain portions in his book Narcissus and Goldmund dealing with pogroms be untouched, he found himself on the Nazi's blacklist. Despite this omnious bidding Hesse escaped World War II unharmed.

A prominent feature of many of his books, Hesse had many problems throughout his life with women. His first marriage with Maria Bernoulli ended sadly, his wife having mental problems. His second marriage was apparently a brief flame with Ruth Wenger, lasting only a few months. He finally married Ninon Dolbin in 1931, and remained so for the rest of his life.

He died of cerebral hemorrhage in his sleep in Montagnola at the age of 85.

Bibliography

• 1904 - Peter Camenzind
• 1906 - Unterm Rad
• 1910 - Gertrud
• 1919 - Demian
• 1920 - Klingsors letzter Sommer
• 1922 - Siddhartha
• 1927 - Der Steppenwolf (the name was borrowed by the rock group Steppenwolf)
• 1930 - Narziss und Goldmund
• 1932 - Die Morgenlandfahrt
• 1943 - Das Glasperlenspiel (English translations have been variously titled, Magister Ludi, Master of the Game, and The Glass Bead Game.)

External Links and references

• Germanic American Institute biography discussing Hesse's interest in Indian philosophies and his lifelong appeal to young people, which peaked in the 1960s and 1970s.

Referenced By