Hermann Hesse

Twayne's World Authors Series

by George Wallis Field

Surveys the distinguished German author's lifetime of achievement as man of letters, with a focus upon his major novels

198 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1970

Reviews

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always comforting to see other people be as simply fascinated by Hermann Hesse’s work as I have been since I first read him. Field seeks to add his voice to the chorus of critics that have sought to explain the craft of this great man. While less voluminous that other books on Hesse (see Joseph Mileck’s), Field still seeks to trace the impact that Hesse’s life, historical moment and artistic sensibilities in his much lauded work. Focusing mainly on his novels, Field digs deep into the world Hesse inhabited while writing them, the quality of his relationships, his own understanding of his craft and the influences of the music and literature that surrounded him. In this way, Field is able to trace the arc that Hesse wove through his novels to his magnum opus, The Glass Bead Game, and the philosophy of life and art that thus became Hesse’s legacy. It is a testament to Field’s analytical abilities (and Hesse’s talent!) that even after having read all of Hesse’s novels multiple times I am still urged to start them up again.

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel the need to warn anyone who is thinking of reading this critical analysis of Hesse's work that you will need a moderate knowledge of the German language as many of the cited passages in the analysis are in the original German.

I am sure glad that I had two years of experience with the German language under my belt before attempting to read it. That said, the analysis of Hesse's work -- as well as the related biographical background -- is enlightening and interesting.