Hermann Hesse 
Siddhartha 
"Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest."

Siddhartha, written by Hermann Hesse was born on July 2nd 1877 and was an accomplished poet and, painter. However his fame more easily rests on his novels which include The Glass Bead Game and Steppenwolf amongst many others. Here we publish Siddhartha, a powerful inspirational novel that traces the spiritual journey of its protagonist, Siddhartha, in his quest for truth and eventual enlightenment. It is concise and lyrical and does not preach but simply presents a liberating philosophy that leads our hero to a life free of fear and desire. The name is from the Sanskrit meaning he who has found meaning and is another name given to the Buddha. Hermann Hesse wrote the book in his native German in 1922, dedicating it to his wife, Ninon after immersing himself in Indian philosophy so as to cure his 'sickness for life’. The book became hugely influential in the sixties especially with those disillusioned with materialism and inspired numerous songs, films and other creative works. In 1946, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Hermann Hesse died on August 9th, 1962 in Switzerland.