This is my translation of the mystical poem "Stages" by the great German poet and author Hermann Hesse, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946.
Thanks for posting this, Michael. I came across Herman Hesse while hitch hiking around Western Europe, aged 18. I met someone who was reading "Journey To The East," and I tracked down a copy myself - then went on to read most of his novels.
"The Glass Bead Game" was certainly the hardest to get through, but it rewarded persistence.
Of course I think, these are the best translations of prime Herman Hesse!
Magister Ludi, The Glass Bead Game, a fat book, many pages of deep thought and learning and wisdom, twice read over the decades, methinks I will pick up and read again as a 72 year old girl, I will probably gain more insight about this chapter of my life. LG
If you have a favorite Hesse poem, please let me know and I will attempt a translation, and dedicate it to you. Or any other favorite non-English poem, but not super-long. One secret of translation is that it's easier to translate a short poem than a long one!
Thanks for posting this, Michael. I came across Herman Hesse while hitch hiking around Western Europe, aged 18. I met someone who was reading "Journey To The East," and I tracked down a copy myself - then went on to read most of his novels.
"The Glass Bead Game" was certainly the hardest to get through, but it rewarded persistence.
Best Wishes - Dave :)
If I brought back good memories, I'm glad.
I love Herman Hesse and have read many of his books over the decades, some twice! He just speaks to me so eloquently! Thanks Michael, G
You are very welcome, Lady Geraldine.
What did you think of my translation?
Of course I think, these are the best translations of prime Herman Hesse!
Magister Ludi, The Glass Bead Game, a fat book, many pages of deep thought and learning and wisdom, twice read over the decades, methinks I will pick up and read again as a 72 year old girl, I will probably gain more insight about this chapter of my life. LG
If you have a favorite Hesse poem, please let me know and I will attempt a translation, and dedicate it to you. Or any other favorite non-English poem, but not super-long. One secret of translation is that it's easier to translate a short poem than a long one!
Lovely thanks Michael, makes sense about short easier to handle and translate.