Günter Böhmer Livres

Hermann Lauscher, written by Hesse at the age of twenty, can be seen as a form of "self-discovery." In the preface to its first edition, Hesse reflects on the mystery of the texts within Hermann Lauscher, noting that the name is introduced to the public for the first time. The writings of Lauscher, published under a foreign name, are well-known to a limited audience. Hesse laments that the author, who has since passed away, has forbidden him from revealing his secrets or claiming the writings published before his death. He expresses that "bitter understanding is better than ignorance," and those who embark on the perilous path of self-observation and confession must bear the consequences, however unexpected or sorrowful. Over the years, whenever Hesse revisits Lauscher, he encounters passages he wishes to discard or alter, such as youthful, arrogant, foolish remarks about Tolstoy at the beginning of the diary. Yet, he feels he has no right to distort his youthful portrait.

Hardcover in card slipcase. Good condition. Text is in German. Slipcase is faded and rather foxed, with a few grubby marks and some general wear and tear. Some edge-wear and a few minor scores on dust jacket. Jacket spine ends are slightly bumped. Two small nicks on jacket spine head. Two small tears on jacket spine foot. Some wear on jacket leading corners. Small mark on rear board. Edges of hardcover spine ends are faded. Hardcover spine ends are bumped. Binding is sound, and the contents are clear throughout. AF

German