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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
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99 reviews
July 15,2025
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This is a volume that was discovered by chance.

I had read only short stories by the author before.

But this volume is a fable, which is very suitable to pick up and read leisurely before going to bed.

I like the last story, "within and without", the most. It presents a profound exploration of the inner and outer worlds of a character. The story delves into the complex emotions and thoughts that lie within a person, while also showing how these internal states interact with the external environment. Through vivid descriptions and engaging plotlines, the author manages to bring this theme to life and make it accessible to readers of all ages. Overall, this is a wonderful volume that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good read.
July 15,2025
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This is truly an abridgment of the main collection translated by Jack Zipes.

It is a two cassette audio edition of narration with incidental guitar by Donovan.

The tales presented in order are \\"A Man By The Name Of Ziegler\\" (1908), \\"A Dream About The Gods\\" (1914), \\"Faldum\\" (1916), \\"The Poet\\" (1913) and \\"Flute Dream\\" (1914).

This is the first time I have delved into this material. I must admit that I much prefer the novels from Hesse, such as Steppenwolf and Siddhartha.

These tales just don't resonate with me. They seem, in some way, strained in their attempts to be poignant, poetic, and moralistic.

The rather profound plots of an alchemist's seed, regretted wishes, and the urge to craft a perfect poem (echoes of Goldmund here) are all for rather mature minds and not as straightforward as the category \\"fairy tale\\" implies.

They are more like long parables.

It almost seems - as much as I like and admire Donovan's vocal talents - that his cooing, monotone delivery might have had a negative impact on these stories.

I feel that I should read them or at least some of them myself at some point.
July 15,2025
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I truly LOVED this product. It has exceeded my expectations in many ways. The quality is outstanding, and it functions perfectly. I have been using it for a while now, and I can't imagine my life without it. I will definitely write a detailed review in July 2014 to share my experience with others. I highly recommend this product to anyone who is looking for something reliable and high-quality. It's definitely worth the investment.

July 15,2025
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Fairy tales, as a format, hold a special charm for Hesse's writing.

His use of simple language and elements of whimsy creates a unique atmosphere that is both enchanting and profound.

The tales are filled with a sense of calm wisdom that is typical of Hesse's works.

They offer readers a chance to escape into a world of imagination while also imparting valuable life lessons.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of reading these tales.

They have the power to touch our hearts, expand our minds, and inspire us to see the world in a different light.

Whether you are a child or an adult, Hesse's fairy tales are sure to delight and captivate you.

So, don't hesitate to pick up a copy and embark on a magical journey through the pages of these wonderful stories.

You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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The stories in the book titled "masallar" are actually not the ones we know as "fairy tales" in the traditional sense. They are more like short stories. Most of these stories are very beautiful. Among them, my favorites are:

- "The Dwarf", which tells the drama and revenge of a dwarf who is the tailor of a beautiful noble woman.

- "The End of Doctor Knölge", which describes the tragicomic story of a teacher named Knölge who participates in a vegetarian camp.

- "Augustus", which tells the life and death of a young man with "devil's hair" who can win everyone's love without making any effort and thus doesn't know the value of love.

- "Strange News from Another Planet", which focuses on what a young man learns about war during his journey to a distant kingdom in search of flowers because there are not enough flowers to bury the dead properly after a natural disaster occurs on his planet.

- "Faldum", which tells the story of a wizard who grants everyone's wishes in the city, a young man he turns into a mountain, and the mountain that the young man becomes.

- "The European", which tells the story of a European on Noah's ark with men and women from different nations who were taken onto the ark.

- "The Wizard's Childhood", which is the story of a child who gradually loses his supernatural abilities.
July 15,2025
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The first half feels like reading a fairy tale, reading with great pleasure and enjoyment.


In the second half, the smell of hesitation begins to emerge. The characters start to have a period of transition, traveling, and discovering a new self. The confusion that arises from the deep thoughts and feelings within oneself.


This story seems to take the reader on a journey, first through a world of wonder and then into a more complex and introspective realm. As the characters change and grow, so does the reader's understanding of them and perhaps of themselves as well.


The use of language to describe the different stages and emotions is quite vivid, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the story and experience it along with the characters.


Overall, it is a captivating piece that leaves the reader with much to think about and a desire to know more about what lies ahead for the characters.

July 15,2025
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The first book I've read by Herman Hesse, a name that used to be associated with high-brow existentialists and philosophers in my mind.

However, any book that presents itself as an anthology of fairy tales will always manage to attract an audience and have the potential to gain a fan in me.

Hesse's work, with its unique blend of elements, has piqued my interest.

As I delved into the pages of this book, I found myself immersed in a world of imagination and wonder.

The fairy tales within it seemed to carry deeper meanings and messages, hidden beneath the surface of the enchanting stories.

I was intrigued by Hesse's ability to create such vivid and engaging characters, and by the way he wove together plots that were both captivating and thought-provoking.

This book has opened my eyes to a new side of Hesse's writing, and I look forward to exploring more of his works in the future.
July 15,2025
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Hesse can do no wrong.

Hermann Hesse is a literary giant whose works have left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His writing style is unique, combining elements of philosophy, psychology, and spirituality to create deeply profound and thought-provoking stories.

Each of his novels and poems is a masterpiece, exploring themes such as the search for meaning in life, the nature of human existence, and the power of love and self-discovery.

Hesse's characters are complex and multi-dimensional, often struggling with inner turmoil and conflict as they strive to find their place in the world.

His works have inspired generations of readers and continue to be relevant today, offering valuable insights into the human condition and the challenges we face in modern society.

In conclusion, Hesse's contributions to literature are immeasurable, and his works will continue to be cherished and studied for years to come.
July 15,2025
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The collection of Hermann Hesse's fairy tales was quite something. In my opinion, some of them were really enchanting and endearing, while others, despite having good translations by Habibi Servosh, were rather challenging. Overall, I liked the stories more.

Hermann Hesse is a renowned author, and his fairy tales offer a unique perspective. They often explore themes of human nature, love, and the search for meaning. The language used in these tales is rich and evocative, drawing the reader into a world of magic and wonder.

Some of the stories, like "The Fairy Tale of the Youth Who Went Forth to Learn What Fear Was," are filled with adventure and excitement. The protagonist's journey to discover fear leads him to encounter various strange and terrifying creatures.

Others, such as "The Poet," are more introspective and philosophical. They delve into the nature of art, creativity, and the role of the artist in society.

Whether you're a fan of fairy tales or simply looking for a good read, Hermann Hesse's collection is definitely worth checking out.
July 15,2025
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This book consists of various short stories written by the author in different periods and it was the first book of the author that I read.

It contains extremely relevant and touching critiques towards humanity, which was the aspect I liked the most. However, perhaps because it consists of works written in different periods, I couldn't get the same taste, quality, and atmosphere from each story, and this might have been inevitable.

Also, some of the stories in the book seem more like experiments than fables. While waiting to read different stories during the journey, some parts of the book bored me. If I had taken it with a different expectation, it could have affected me differently.

Some stories, on the other hand, were really very successful. Especially the stories of "Kent" (the song "Telegraph Road" by Dire Straits played in my mind throughout this short story), "Augustus", and "Kral Yu" (the version we have is "The False Shepherd") I really liked.
July 15,2025
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A strong collection of Hesse’s fantasy stories exists, functioning almost as an anthology of his best short fiction.

About half of these stories can be found in Strange News from Another Star, If The War Goes On and Pictor's Metamorphoses and Other Fantasies. However, the translations here by Jack D. Tripes are truly outstanding. He manages to infuse fresh new life into these tales, ensuring they retain their fantastical nature while having the immediacy of modern fiction. In fact, I would recommend that readers commence their journey to read Hesse’s short fiction here and then progress to reading the translations in those other books.

The stories I read for the first time in this collection are among the strongest I’ve encountered from Hesse, which might also be a testament to Tripes' translation. These are mostly tales about individuals uncovering the truth of human nature, often through dreams or revelations, and either embracing their individuality or succumbing. The best ones include “The Forest Dweller” (about a man who realizes his society’s medicine man rituals and superstitions are founded on lies), “The City” (a short parable about how one day human civilization will crumble and the earth will be rejuvenated), and “Dr. Knoegle’s End” (a hilarious take on the cult of vegetarianism that simultaneously reveals how people hypocritically treat each other and hints at what Hesse would have truly thought about his狂热的 New Age supporters in the 60s and 70s).

As with his other short fiction and poems, I find that I glean more about Hesse here than even through his autobiographical writings and certainly more than in his novels.

July 15,2025
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I have a great love for certain works such as Demian, The beads game, and Siddharta. However, it seems that these tales did not manage to ignite that special spark within me.

Perhaps it was due to my own personal perspective or the way I approached reading them. Maybe I was expecting something different, something that would truly capture my imagination and hold my attention from start to finish.

Nonetheless, I still recognize the value and significance that these works hold for many others. They have their own unique charm and appeal, and I can understand why they are highly regarded in the literary world.

Even though they did not have the same impact on me, I am grateful for the opportunity to have read them and expand my literary horizons. Who knows, maybe upon a second reading or with a different state of mind, I might discover the hidden gems within these tales and finally experience that spark of inspiration.
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