Hesse's novel of two medieval men one quietly content with his religion and monastic life the
other in fervent search of more worldly salvation. This conflict between flesh and spirit
between emotional and contemplative man was a life study for Hesse. It is a theme that
transcends all time. The Hesse Phenomenon has turned into a vogue the vogue into a torrent. .
.He has appealed both to. . . an underground and to an establishment. . .and to the
disenchanted young sharing his contempt for our industrial civilization.--The New York Times
Book Review
