Synopses & Reviews
Known for engaging prose rich in human sympathy and imagination, Nobel Prize-winning German novelist Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) incorporated two themes in most of his works: the isolation of the artist and the fundamental duality of existence. The second of these is particularly evident in Demian, Hesse's first major novel. In it, the youthful Emil Sinclair recognizes that life consists of opposing forces; however, his older friend Max Demian manages to both clarify and complicate Sinclair's confused thoughts about life's conflicting values. Popular with young adults since it was first published in 1919, this brilliant psychological portrait of a troubled young man's exploration of the duality of human nature has retained its remarkable power as a poignant statement of the terrors and torments of adolescence. It is reprinted here with an informative introduction by Stanley Appelbaum, who has also provided excellent literal English translations on pages facing the German original.
Synopsis
"All I really wanted was to try and live the life that was spontaneously welling up within me. Why was that so very difficult?"
Generations of readers have recognized the impassioned cry that introduces the young narrator of Demian, and embraced this tale of a troubled young man's struggle toward self-awareness. Initially published in Berlin in 1919, the novel met with instant critical acclaim, as well as great popular success among people seeking answers amid the devastating aftermath of World War I.
A brilliant psychological portrait of an individual's departure from social conventions in the search for spiritual fulfillment, Demian encompasses many of the themes associated with Hermann Hesse, its Noble Prize winning author, particularly the duality of human nature and the quest for inner peace.
Considered an important work in the evolution of twentieth-century European literature, this perceptive coming-of-age novel enjoys a particular resonance with young adults, a fact that has made Demian a perennial favorite in schools and colleges all over the world. This inexpensive edition, featuring an excellent new English translation, is sure to be welcomed by teachers and students, and by the legions of confirmed Hesse fans."
Synopsis
This first major novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Hermann Hesse incorporates a theme he returned to again and again in most of his works: the fundamental duality of existence. The youthful protagonist, Emil Sinclair, recognizes that life consists of opposing forces; however, his older friend, Max Demian, manages to both clarify and complicate Sinclair's confusion about life's conflicting values. Recounted in engaging prose, rich in sympathy and imagination, this brilliant psychological portrait of a troubled young man's exploration of the polarities of human nature has retained its remarkable power as a poignant statement of the terrors and torments of adolescence.
Synopsis
First major novel by Nobel Prize-winning author explores the fundamental duality of existence through the tale of a troubled young man's confusion about life's conflicting values. Recounted in engaging prose, this brilliant psychological portrait offers a poignant statement of the terrors and torments of adolescence.
About the Author
Stanley Appelbaum served for decades as Dover's Editor in Chief until his retirement in 1996. He continues to work as a selector, compiler, editor, and translator of literature in a remarkable range of languages that includes Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Russian.