The Book of a Generation: The 20th Copy

Hesse, Hermann. Siddhartha. Eine indische Dichtung. Erste bis sechste Auflage.

Berlin, S. Fischer, 1922.

8vo. 146, (6) pp. Publisher's half vellum with red batik paper covers; gilt title to spine and upper cover. Top edge green. Stored in custom-made red half morocco clamshell case with gilt spine title.

Inquire

De luxe issue of the first edition: no. 20 of 50 numbered copies, printed specially for the author and signed "Hermann Hesse". On the front free endpaper Hesse penned an additional inscription to the Austrian gynaecologist Josef von Halban (1870-1937): "Für Herrn / Hofrat Dr. J. Halban / von s. ergebenen / Herrmann Hesse".

The regular issue of the first edition was published in 6000 copies; within Hesse's own lifetime the total press run would number 150,000 copies. Today the book counts among "the most widely read works of the 20th century - including translations, the press run is in the double-digit millions" (cf. KNLL).

Binding a little toned as common; interior very clean. An appealing copy.

References

Mileck II, 43. Waibler E 170. Kliemann/Silomon 41. WG² 122. KNLL VII, 802.

Cat. no.: 38 Catalogue: 2022 New York International Antiquarian Book Fair

Related

  • France, Anatole, writer and Nobel laureate (1844-1924). L'Ile des Pingouins. With autograph inscription signed.Paris, 1908.

    € 1,200.00

  • Busta, Christine, Lyrikerin (1915-1987). Die Scheune der Vögel. Gedichte. Mit eigenh. Gedicht (4 Zeilen), Widmung …Salzburg, 1958.

    € 250.00

  • Hofmannsthal, Hugo von. Gestern. Dramatische Studie in einem Akt in Versen. Dritte Auflage.Berlin, 1909.

    € 450.00

  • Ertler, Bruno, Schriftsteller (1889-1927). Eigenh. Widmung in: [Adolf] Oberländer: Heiteres und Ernstes. Hg. von …München, 1917.

    € 50.00