About the book
The classic novel of a quest for knowledge that has delighted, inspired, and influenced generations of readers, writers, and thinkers.
Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read
Though set in a place and time far removed from the Germany of 1922, the year of the book’s debut, the novel is infused with the sensibilities of Hermann Hesse’s time, synthesizing disparate philosophies–Eastern religions, Jungian archetypes, Western individualism–into a unique vision of life as expressed through one man’s search for meaning.
It is the story of the quest of Siddhartha, a wealthy Indian Brahmin who casts off a life of privilege and comfort to seek spiritual fulfillment and wisdom. On his journey, Siddhartha encounters wandering ascetics, Buddhist monks, and successful merchants, as well as a courtesan named Kamala and a simple ferryman who has attained enlightenment. Traveling among these people and experiencing life’s vital passages–love, work, friendship, and fatherhood–Siddhartha discovers that true knowledge is guided from within.
Susan Bernofsky’s magnificent translation brings out Hesse’s inspired lyricism and his elegant, melodious cadences, illuminating the novel’s universal themes and timeless wisdom about the human condition.
This original Modern Library edition includes a lively new Introduction by Tom Robbins and a glossary of Indian terms.
Editions of Siddhartha
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780679643364
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780812974782
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307423696
Read an Excerpt
The classic novel of a quest for knowledge that has delighted, inspired, and influenced generations of readers, writers, and thinkers.
Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read
Though set in a place and time far removed from the Germany of 1922, the year of the book’s debut, the novel is infused with the sensibilities of Hermann Hesse’s time, synthesizing disparate philosophies–Eastern religions, Jungian archetypes, Western individualism–into a unique vision of life as expressed through one man’s search for meaning.
It is the story of the quest of Siddhartha, a wealthy Indian Brahmin who casts off a life of privilege and comfort to seek spiritual fulfillment and wisdom. On his journey, Siddhartha encounters wandering ascetics, Buddhist monks, and successful merchants, as well as a courtesan named Kamala and a simple ferryman who has attained enlightenment. Traveling among these people and experiencing life’s vital passages–love, work, friendship, and fatherhood–Siddhartha discovers that true knowledge is guided from within.
Susan Bernofsky’s magnificent translation brings out Hesse’s inspired lyricism and his elegant, melodious cadences, illuminating the novel’s universal themes and timeless wisdom about the human condition.
This original Modern Library edition includes a lively new Introduction by Tom Robbins and a glossary of Indian terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Siddhartha about?
The classic novel of a quest for knowledge that has delighted, inspired, and influenced generations of readers, writers, and thinkers.
Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read
Though set in a place and time far removed from the Germany of 1922, the year of the book’s debut, the novel is infused with the sensibilities of Hermann Hesse’s time, synthesizing disparate philosophies–Eastern religions, Jungian archetypes, Western individualism–into a unique vision of life as expressed through one man’s search for meaning.
It is the story of the quest of Siddhartha, a wealthy Indian Brahmin who casts off a life of privilege and comfort to seek spiritual fulfillment and wisdom. On his journey, Siddhartha encounters wandering ascetics, Buddhist monks, and successful merchants, as well as a courtesan named Kamala and a simple ferryman who has attained enlightenment. Traveling among these people and experiencing life’s vital passages–love, work, friendship, and fatherhood–Siddhartha discovers that true knowledge is guided from within.
Susan Bernofsky’s magnificent translation brings out Hesse’s inspired lyricism and his elegant, melodious cadences, illuminating the novel’s universal themes and timeless wisdom about the human condition.
This original Modern Library edition includes a lively new Introduction by Tom Robbins and a glossary of Indian terms.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Siddhartha?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre
Where can I read a sample of Siddhartha?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780679643364
Is Siddhartha part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Modern Library Classics
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Siddhartha?
Hermann Hesse
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Siddhartha is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780679643364) and paperback(ISBN 9780812974782) and ebook(ISBN 9780307423696)
Where can I buy Siddhartha online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Siddhartha?