As you listen to this compelling spiritual quest - one of the most important works of twentieth century fiction - you will hear Hermann Hesse's story of Siddhartha, a wealthy Brahmin's son whose search for enlightenment leads him to the river of life itself. On his journey Siddhartha learns from many teachers: the ascetic Samanas, the all-knowning Gotama the Buddha, Kamala the lovely courtesan, and Vasudeva the simple ferryman. Unwilling to accept the wisdom of others, Siddhartha comes to an understanding of himself and his place in the universe, finally achieving the enlightened state of mind in which he can say to his lifelong friend: "The world, Govinda, is perfect at every moment."

Hermann Hesse (1877-1962), winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946, moved from Germany to Switzerland during World War I to be involved in pacifist antiwar activity. His best-known works include Demian, Steppenwolf, and Magister Ludi.