Siddhartha
An Indian Tale
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4.3 • 93 Ratings
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- $4.99
Publisher Description
From A to Z, the Penguin Drop Caps series collects 26 unique hardcovers—featuring cover art by Jessica Hische
It all begins with a letter. Fall in love with Penguin Drop Caps, a new series of twenty-six collectible and hardcover editions, each with a type cover showcasing a gorgeously illustrated letter of the alphabet. In a design collaboration between Jessica Hische and Penguin Art Director Paul Buckley, the series features unique cover art by Hische, a superstar in the world of type design and illustration, whose work has appeared everywhere from Tiffany & Co. to Wes Anderson's recent film Moonrise Kingdom to Penguin's own bestsellers Committed and Rules of Civility. With exclusive designs that have never before appeared on Hische's hugely popular Daily Drop Cap blog, the Penguin Drop Caps series launches with six perennial favorites to give as elegant gifts, or to showcase on your own shelves.
H is for Hesse. A young Brahmin named Siddhartha searches for ultimate reality after meeting with the Buddha. His quest takes him from a life of decadence to asceticism, from the illusory joys of sensual love with a beautiful courtesan, and of wealth and fame, to the painful struggles with his son and the ultimate wisdom of renunciation. Integrating Eastern and Western spiritual traditions with psychoanalysis and philosophy, written with a deep and moving empathy for humanity, Herman Hesse’s strangely simple Siddhartha is perhaps the most important and compelling moral allegory the troubled twentieth century ever produced.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
A small story about big ideas, this graceful and earnest parable from German-born author Hermann Hesse follows one man’s eternal quest for meaning. Raised in ancient India, young Siddhartha leaves home in search of enlightenment. After trying out life as a meditative beggar wandering through the forest, he heads to a city, where he falls in love with a beautiful woman and gets rich. When neither path brings him peace, Siddhartha realizes the answer to fulfillment lies in balance. Siddhartha is a timeless tale that’s just perfect for social-media breaks, contemplative nights in, or a long weekend away.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Actor Ansdell guides listeners in his firm and gentle voice through Hesse's lyrical prose depicting the self-discovery journey of his protagonist, Siddhartha. Ansdell's pacing and English accent give his reading for the audiobook an air of philosopher's wisdom. Ansdell is especially good at pauses and inflections that express Siddhartha's moods of exaltation and utter despair at various points in his life as a young Brahman, an ascetic, a lover, businessman, and then as a father and elderly recluse who sits by the river and finally experiences the peace and tranquility he has always sought. Published in German in 1922 and in English in 1951, the revival of Hesse's novel in this era of widespread interest in Eastern religions offers Ansdell a vehicle for his diverse narrative talents.
Customer Reviews
Siddharta
Good book. Some typos, I dont think this copy is better than those around for 1 us, but recommended
A great book but not his best
Hesse was a visionary and his is the gateway. But if you have a grip on Buddhism already try the glass bead game ... Which isn't on iBooks yet, and that is mainly why I'm making the point. We all agree Hesse is a worthy author, so get the Nobel willing stuff up in here.
Life changing
I'm 12 years old and I read this book because I wanted something spiritual. I read this book until 3 in the morning and finished it in a day. It is truly a masterpiece, and this translations writing flows so perfectly with the moods of the book. The only other book that has changed me this much must be a river runs through it. Though they are from different times, both Norman McLean and the man named siddharta are haunted by waters.