Publisher's Synopsis
In November 2002, an international conference was held at the Institute of Germanic Studies in London to mark the 125th anniversary of Hesse's birth, and to evaluate the contemporary image of this controversial figure. This volume brings together the various responses to the complex challenge that Hesse, whose sheer success is sometimes seen as detracting from his status, presents to present-day readers. The author's current status is examined from several distinct thematic and theoretical perspectives, aiming to provide a concise overview of current research. The volume offers new readings of a number of his seminal works, and makes a significant contribution to research into his past and present standing as a global icon. It investigates his current significance for a modern readership, taking account of his importance in the lecture theatre and classroom, the multi-faceted applicability of his moral, ethical and aesthetic concerns in the context of a fragmented world, and the continued relevance of his writings.
