What happens to these men and to the main character, Magister Ludi, makes for a novel of such striking contemporary application that the author at once stands alone, prophetic in his time. The story is set in some distant future.and Hesse tells of an elite cult of intellectuals, monastically removed from.society, occupying themselves with an elaborate game that employs all of the cultural and scientific knowledge of the ages. It is the evolution-and resolution-of the terrors and dilemmas of STEPPENWOLF, DEMIAN, and SIDDHARTHA.It becomes apparent that we cannot know Hesse without THE GLASS BEAD GAME, the most imaginative and prophetic of all his novels. This book has generally come to be known as his fullest expression and final position on the problems and responsibilities of the intellectual, on the illness and evils of alienation, and on the role of culture in any society.

SCARCE FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH of Hesse s magnum opus and his great Nobel Prize winning novel. 502 pp, A very good copy with mild wear to the extremities, primarily from shelving, some light evidence of age, the spine panel mellowed. 8vo, publisher's original green cloth, the spine decorated and lettered in gilt. ADDITIONAL CHARGE (DUE TO APPROX 2.25# SHIPPING WEIGHT) WILL APPLY IF SHIPPED OUTSIDE CONTINENTAL US CONTACT SHIROBOOKS PRIOR TO ORDERING or for more information, details or photos.įirst Edition issued in America, same time as the English printing. ShiroBooks, independent bookseller, takes pride in accurate descriptions, careful wrapping and safe shipping. (Please see Seller images.) Book shows SBN 030818516. Dust Jacket is unclipped (reflecting original USD $7.95 price), mildly age toned and encased in protective mylar (which itself has some chipping wear and rubbing), with rubbing and minor chipping to the corners, light chipping with some loss at the top joints 1' and 1/2' losses from chipping at bottom joints and along the tail. Cover is clean and brightly, with very gentle bumping to corners, joints, headcap and tail, boldly legible lettering and crisply distinct design. Book is straight, square, tightly bound, mildly and uniformly age toned (with some age fading, toning and spotting along dyed top edge), and, except for residue on endpapers from previous taping of DJ's mylar and light soil smudges at bottom of p46 and p51, free of other blemishes and markings.

1st Printing of the 1969 HRW stated 1st Edition (US) thus, translated from the German, with introduction, by Richard Winston and Clara Winston, and foreword by Theodore Ziolowski.

Author of the glass bead game