Demian

Demian

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Author: Hermann Hesse

Format: Paperback / softback

Number of Pages: 144


The first of Hermann Hesse's novels to reflect his new way of thinking about the mind and his interest in the experience of the interior self Demian is a coming-of-age story that follows a young boy's maturation as he grapples with good and evil, lightness and darkness, and forges alternatives to the ever-present corruption and suffering that he sees all around him. Crucial to this development are his relationships with a series of older mentors, of who the titular Demian is the most charismatic, otherworldly and ultimately influential.Many have noted the influence of Jungian psychology upon this novel and it is fascinating to see Herman Hesse's interests in the self, existence and free will play out through through the lens of early twentieth-century Europe; Christian imagery and themes are ever-present, as is the shadow of the First World War.
Description
Author: Hermann Hesse

Format: Paperback / softback

Number of Pages: 144


The first of Hermann Hesse's novels to reflect his new way of thinking about the mind and his interest in the experience of the interior self Demian is a coming-of-age story that follows a young boy's maturation as he grapples with good and evil, lightness and darkness, and forges alternatives to the ever-present corruption and suffering that he sees all around him. Crucial to this development are his relationships with a series of older mentors, of who the titular Demian is the most charismatic, otherworldly and ultimately influential.Many have noted the influence of Jungian psychology upon this novel and it is fascinating to see Herman Hesse's interests in the self, existence and free will play out through through the lens of early twentieth-century Europe; Christian imagery and themes are ever-present, as is the shadow of the First World War.
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J
Josephine Emery
The Unmaking of Young Demian

Demian is an old-fashioned story of a young man, 'Demian', breaking from the world of middle-class illusion and finding some kind of spiritual truth through his elusive and enigmatic friend, Max - and above all through his obsession with Max’s mother. This story of an idealised, passionate and non-sexual relationship between two men becomes a cornerstone of much of Hesse’s later work. Demian ends with the outbreak of war: the First World War. And Demian is keen to serve his Fatherland. There’s a hint of that belief in blood and soil that fuelled the next generation of German militarism.

To me it’s a troubling work for all these reasons. Its style and its challenging themes serve as precursors to the work of Paulo Coelho. It’s a book I’d recommend for study rather than for entertainment.

As usual, my order from The Book Grocer arrived promptly and the book itself is in excellent condition. As have all my Book Grocer purchases been.