Hermann Hesse's moving & inspirational chronicle of spiritual evolution Siddhartha"
Includes:: a new introduction by bestselling author Paulo Coehlo in " Penguin Classics". " Siddhartha" is perhaps the most important & compelling moral allegory our troubled century has produced. Integrating Eastern & Western spiritual traditions with psychoanalysis & philosophy this strangely simple tale written with a deep & moving empathy for humanity has touched the lives of millions since its original publication in 1922. Set in India " Siddhartha" is the story of a young Brahmin's search for ultimate reality after meeting with the Buddha. His quest takes him from a life of decadence to asceticism from the illusory joys of sensual love with a beautiful courtesan & of wealth & fame to the painful struggles with his son & the ultimate wisdom of renunciation. Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) suffered from depression endured criticism for his pacifist views & weathered series of personal crises which led him to undergo psychoanalysis with J. B. Lang; a process which resulted in " Demian" (1919) a novel whose main character is torn between the orderliness of bourgeois existence & the turbulent & enticing world of sensual experience. This dichotomy is prominent in Hesse's subsequent novels including " Siddhartha" (1922) " Steppenwolf" (1927) " Narcissus" & " Goldmund" (1930) & his magnum opus " The Glass Bead Game" (1943). Hesse was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946. Paulo Coelho was born in Brazil & has become one of the most widely read authors in the world. Especially renowned for " The Alchemist & Eleven Minutes" he has sold more than 100 million books worldwide & has been translated into 66 languages. If you enjoyed " Siddhartha" you might like Hesse's " Steppenwolf" also available in " Penguin Classics". "A subtle distillation of wisdom stylistic grace & symmetry of form". (" The Sunday Times"). "A writer of genius". (" The Times")."