Demian by Hermann Hesse

Demian by Hermann Hesse is a profound coming-of-age novel that follows Emil Sinclair’s path toward self-awareness and spiritual independence. Set in the aftermath of World War I, the story explores the tension between societal norms and personal truth through Sinclair’s evolving relationship with the enigmatic Max Demian. Under Demian’s influence, Sinclair begins to question conventional morality and embrace the complexities of human nature, symbolized by recurring motifs such as the god Abraxas and the struggle between light and darkness. With poetic language and psychological depth, Hesse crafts a timeless narrative about identity, inner conflict, and the journey toward authenticity. This unabridged Dover Thrift Edition features a modern English translation that preserves the philosophical richness of the original German text.

Technical details:

Pages: 109

Publication year: 2000

Publisher: Dover Publications

Language: English

Translated from: German

Translator: Stanley Appelbaum

Author: Hermann Hesse