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Hermann Hesse

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Siddhartha (A New Directions Paperback) Paperback – January 1, 1951

by Hermann Hesse (Author), Hilda Rosner (Translator)

4.6 2,367 ratings

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By the Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature

A book―rare in our arid age―that takes root in the heart and grows there for a lifetime.

Here the spirituality of the East and the West have met in a novel that enfigures deep human wisdom with a rich and colorful imagination.

Written in a prose of almost biblical simplicity and beauty, it is the story of a soul's long quest in search of he ultimate answer to the enigma of man's role on this earth. As a youth, the young Indian Siddhartha meets the Buddha but cannot be content with a disciple's role: he must work out his own destiny and solve his own doubt―a tortuous road that carries him through the sensuality of a love affair with the beautiful courtesan Kamala, the temptation of success and riches, the heartache of struggle with his own son, to final renunciation and self-knowledge.

The name "Siddhartha" is one often given to the Buddha himself―perhaps a clue to Hesse's aims in contrasting the traditional legendary figure with his own conception, as a European (Hesse was Swiss), of a spiritual explorer.

Print length

128 pages
Language

English
Publisher

New Directions
Publication date

January 1, 1951
Dimensions

5.2 x 0.4 x 8 inches
ISBN-10

081120068X
ISBN-13

978-0811200684
Lexile measure

1010L
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The cool and strangely simple story makes a beautiful little book, classic in proportion and style; it should be read slowly and with savor, preferably during the lonely hours of the night."
― The Nation

"In Siddhartha the setting is Indian and we encounter the Buddha, but the author’s ethos is still closer to Goethe."
― Washington Post Book World

"One could even hope that Hesse’s readers are hungrily imbibing Siddhartha, and that they will be so wisely foolish as to live by it."
― Chicago Tribune

"Hermann Hesse is the greatest writer of the century."
― San Francisco Chronicle

About the Author

HERMANN HESSE was born in 1877 in Calw, Germany. He grew to become a celebrated author and the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946. As the son of missionaries, he developed a fascination with self-discovery and spiritual explorations, an interest also likely due in part to his lifelong struggle with depression, which led him to study Sigmund Freud and, later, to undergo psychoanalysis with Carl Jung. In 1912 he moved to Switzerland, where he wrote his best-known books, including the classic Siddhartha; composed poetry; and painted landscapes. He passed away in 1962 in Montagnola, Switzerland. Hesse is one of the most widely translated authors of the twentieth century; his work continues to have influence worldwide.

Hilda Rosner is an author and translator.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ New Directions; First Edition (January 1, 1951)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 081120068X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0811200684
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1010L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.8 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.2 x 0.4 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #358,364 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3,760 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction
- #8,995 in Classic Literature & Fiction
- #19,053 in Literary Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.6 2,367 ratings

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Hermann Hesse

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Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) was born in Germany and later became a citizen of Switzerland. As a Western man profoundly affected by the mysticism of Eastern thought, he wrote many novels, stories, and essays that bear a vital spiritual force that has captured the imagination and loyalty of many generations of readers. In 1946, he won the Nobel Prize for Literature for The Glass Bead Game.

Photo by unknown [Dutch National Archives, The Hague, Fotocollectie Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANEFO), 1945-1989 / Public Domain] [CC BY-SA 3.0 nl (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/nl/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

2,367 global ratings

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Amazon Customer

An essential read

Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2024

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There are several translations from the original German on the market, and each one will appeal to a different audience. Reviews suggest that some are softer, and some more rigid, but either way, the story, and writing is masterful and captivating. I read a 1951 translation, I bought this one for my sister, who says it is exceeding expectations, and my wife and son are reading a Danish language translation. Many people at church have read it, and rave about it, and I can't praise the accessible wisdom and enjoyable reading enough. Just as most people say, it is life changing. Read it one way or another.

One person found this helpful

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Joachim Buarø

"Siddhartha" is a masterpiece

Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2023

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"Siddhartha" tells the story of a young man's journey toward enlightenment. This novel is a profound exploration of the human experience, as it explores themes such as spiritual growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. Hesse's writing style is both elegant and poetic.

"Siddhartha" has the power to transform readers and change their lives for the better. The story follows Siddhartha, a young man who sets out on a journey to find enlightenment, but finds that the path to true wisdom is fraught with obstacles and challenges. Along the way, he meets a range of characters who help him to learn and grow, and ultimately he discovers the true meaning of life.

One of the most striking aspects of "Siddhartha" is its focus on the importance of personal growth and self-discovery. Hesse reminds us that we all have the potential to achieve greatness, but that we must be willing to confront our fears and weaknesses in order to do so. The novel encourages us to embrace our unique talents and gifts and to live our lives with purpose and intention.

Overall, "Siddhartha" is a profound and deeply moving novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Hesse's writing is both beautiful and insightful, and his exploration of the human experience is both timeless and universal. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment, or simply looking for a great work of literature to read, "Siddhartha" is an absolute must-read.

One person found this helpful

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Words, Images, & Worlds

Hesse's Masterwork

Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2017

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A beautiful, haunting novel of spiritual growth and development. Hesse was a talented writer who explored some of the pulsing questions of life. His book on his experience in school, Beneath the Wheel, is one of my favorites. Siddhartha is probably the work to start with when reading Hesse (it's one of his most well-known), if not Demian or Steppenwolf before working up to The Glassbead Game.

What makes this story so engaging (without sharing too much) is the way the ending reflects the beginning. This narrative arch marks this book as a masterwork and calls the reader to question long after reading.

6 people found this helpful

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zacharia costa

great

Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024

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great

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Carla Muriel Savastano

Muy bueno

Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2024

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Muy bueno

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Frankie Muñiz

Phenomenal Quick Read; What is your path?

Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2023

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I came late into the game when in comes to Hesse, but I feel as though it is never too late to take a shot at this book. The story is simple, but deeply meaningful. What is your path, how do you go about, what are you willing to bear and sacrifice. What is enlightenment, and how do we achieve this? Closure. All themes this magnificent short read will dip into and leave with a certain sense of understanding. Run with that. Cannot recommend this book enough to those who love to have some philosophical perspective in their reads.

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Amazon Customer

Interesting beginning, lame end

Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2018

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There's a lot to love about this book but I've found more profound words elsewhere.
Easy to read and easy to relate to, but didn't actually take me to the next level philosophically.

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Morgan

Great book, deceiving title

Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2012

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This is a great little book, especially if you happen to be going through a spiritual or midlife crisis such as I am right now. It's written with a compassion and an understanding of the human heart that is rarely seen in contemporary literature. What baffles me is why the author would intentionally title the book to mislead people into thinking it was the story of Siddartha Gautama, the actual Buddha. This book chronicles the life story of another man, a contemporary of the Buddha, who was also named Siddhartha. That just seems rather silly to me, and I see no reason why the author couldn't have given the protagonist a different name (unless he wanted to convey the message that we ALL possess the Buddha nature). I think the book should at least have a preface which explains that the following story is not the life story of the historical Buddha. I believe I understand why the author didn't focus on the life story of Gautama himself: because that is not what is important. Most of the details of his life are probably more myth than fact, so the author leaves the myth aside and focuses instead on the mundane experiences of one simple man in a search for wisdom. I won't spoil anything for the potential reader except to say that by the book's end he or she will have plenty of food for thought.

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Bruno

Beautiful binding/cover of a classic

Reviewed in Canada on April 24, 2022

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A classic, short read that I’ve read a few times as my life has evolved. First as a young person in my 20’s. Then as a new father in my early 30s. Now once more as I approach my 40’s. It’s an interesting read if you’re generally interested in eastern religions/philosophy, but it’s a good read on its own as well.

One person found this helpful

Dinh

Zufrieden

Reviewed in Germany on April 13, 2024

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Schönes, kleines Büchlein

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Mike E

Neat little hardback version of this book.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2024

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Neat little hardback version of this book. Compact size, Clean typeface, slightly transparent paper not too distracting, lovely embossed pattern on front cover. feels good in the hand and fits easily into pocket.

Marti

Muy bueno

Reviewed in Spain on October 1, 2023

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Libro super entendible, una obra maestra. Recomendable 100%

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ashwani kumar sharma

Never have I seen a book, this beautiful.

Reviewed in India on September 17, 2022

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I usually order Everyman Library Books as they are the premium quality for good price. This is my first Macmillan Book and I am totally in love with it. The book is tiny beyond expectations and beautiful as well with gorgeous imprint on the clothbound front cover.
The Dust Jacket is as splendid as the book and it also has a lavender colored ribbon marker.
This is Smith-Sewn binding as the Everymans are however still the only thing that will make me prefer Everyman books over this is the quality of the page, by quality I do not mean the Macmillan is bad, they have very nice pages but the Everyman Library provide cream colored and smooth textured pages on which reading becomes far more pleasurable unline the Macmillan that have strong white color and also text size is small, however easily readable.
I would surely purchase their published material again but only for those which I can not find in Everyman published ones. Everyman still remain my favourite book over all and Macmilan my 2nd most favourite especially for the aesthetics and the high quality binding.
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