Siddhartha: The Original 1922 Edition

Hermann Hesse's most inspirational and beloved work, "Siddhartha," was nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read. Hesse's novel is an allegorical masterpiece that deals with the spiritual journey of an Indian boy during the time of the Buddha. The book, written in a simple yet powerful and lyrical style, was first published in 1922, after Hesse had spent some time in India in the 1910s.

The story revolves around a young man who leaves his home and family on a quest for the Truth. Embarking on a journey that takes him from the austerities of renunciation to the profligacy of wealth, he experiences the full range of human experiences, from hunger and want to passion, pleasure, pain, greed, yearning, boredom, love, despair, and hope. This journey eventually leads him to the river, where he gains peace and eventually wisdom.

Hesse's work has been widely acclaimed by critics and readers alike. The San Francisco Chronicle has hailed him as "the greatest writer of the century," and the Chicago Tribune has suggested that his readers should be "so wisely foolish as to live by" Siddhartha. The Washington Post Book World has noted that Hesse's ethos is closer to Goethe's than to the Buddha's, while The Nation has described the "cool and strangely simple story" as a "beautiful little book, classic in proportion and style" that should be read "slowly and with savor, preferably during the lonely hours of the night."

The Times has described Hesse as "a writer of genius," and the Sunday Times has praised the book's "subtle distillation of wisdom, stylistic grace and symmetry of form." These accolades reflect the profound impact that Siddhartha has had on readers and critics around the world.

In the end, Hesse's Siddhartha is a timeless and universal story of self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and the search for truth and meaning in life. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of the human experience. Whether read in the lonely hours of the night or during the bustle of everyday life, Siddhartha continues to inspire and captivate readers, offering a glimpse into the depths of the human soul.

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