Another author that was recommended to me by Joseph Campbell is Hermann Hesse.

Hesse is truly a remarkable and wonderful storyteller. His works have the power to transport readers to different worlds and make them deeply engage with the characters and their emotions.

If you have never had the pleasure of reading Hesse's books, then this is a great place to start. His writing style is unique, filled with beautiful prose and profound insights into the human condition.

Whether it's exploring themes of self-discovery, spirituality, or the search for meaning in life, Hesse's stories have the ability to touch the hearts and minds of readers. So, don't hesitate to pick up one of his books and embark on a literary journey that will surely leave a lasting impression.

What a truly wonderful little book this is!

I had the pleasure of reading the Insel-Bücherei edition (1502) in German. It is not just a simple collection of the story. In fact, it encompasses so much more. It includes the handwritten version and original drawings from Hesse himself. Additionally, there are some of his poems carefully chosen by the editors and an insightful afterword from Volker Michels.

Although the story "Piktors Verwandlungen" itself is a relatively small part of the book, its beauty lies in its (psychoanalytic) metaphors and descriptions, which are further explained in the afterword. Hesse's drawings enhance the story, making it even more colorful and vivid. The story, or "fairytale" as Hesse calls it, was perhaps a bit too short to fully grab my attention, but it served as a nice introduction to Hesse's next book on my TBR list, "Siddarth" (the reason for which is also explained in the afterword).

Strangely enough, I found myself loving the poems the most. They are well-chosen, closely connected to the theme of the story, and yet, they are extremely eloquent. They had such an impact on me that I couldn't help but copy them down in my journals, send them to friends, or read them out loud.

I would definitely argue that this book is a nice and relatively simple introduction to Hesse's further work, or at least a certain period of it. And as an added bonus, the beautiful Insel Bucherei edition is not only a joy to read but also a very aesthetically pleasing version to look at, further enhancing its slightly lyrical and magical character.

The work in question is not as deep or philosophical as his other creations.

It seems to lack the profound insights and intellectual depth that are characteristic of his more renowned pieces.

While it may have its own merits, it fails to reach the same level of philosophical exploration and complexity.

Perhaps the author was aiming for a different style or approach with this particular work, but it ultimately falls short in comparison to his other, more intellectually stimulating efforts.

Nevertheless, it is still an interesting piece that may offer some value to those who are interested in the author's body of work.

However, for those seeking a truly deep and philosophical experience, they may be better off looking elsewhere in his oeuvre.

Hesse is my favorite writer. His works have always had a unique charm that deeply attracts me.

Although most of this dreamy production is over my head, I could still feel the love and wonder Hesse possessed in his mind and fingers! His writing is like a magical key that unlocks the door to a mysterious and beautiful world.

Even when I don't fully understand the profound meanings and complex emotions he tries to convey, I am still able to sense the passion and sincerity that lies beneath the surface.

Hesse's words seem to dance on the page, creating a vivid and enchanting atmosphere that transports the reader to a different realm.

I am constantly amazed by his ability to describe the most intricate details and the most profound human experiences with such grace and precision.

His works are not only a source of entertainment but also a source of inspiration and enlightenment.

They make me think deeply about life, love, and the meaning of existence.

In conclusion, Hesse's writing is a true masterpiece, and I will continue to cherish and explore his works for years to come.

Piktor's Metamorphoses is a truly enchanting fairy tale that was both written and illustrated by the renowned Herman Hesse.

This story holds a special charm that makes it one of the sweetest ever. It takes readers on a magical journey filled with wonder and imagination.

Hesse's unique writing style and his ability to bring the characters and the settings to life make this fairy tale a delight to read.

The illustrations add an extra layer of beauty and depth to the story, allowing readers to visually immerse themselves in the magical world that Hesse has created.

Whether you are a child or an adult, Piktor's Metamorphoses is a story that will touch your heart and leave you with a sense of warmth and joy.

It is a timeless classic that will be cherished for generations to come.

I think it was a truly beautiful story, and it really made me deeply think about life. It reminds me of some of the other remarkable books I've read by Herman Hesse. In those works, he also seems to explore the different "personalities" or "souls" that a human being contains. Moreover, it's about the importance of thinking through your life at any age.

Piktor's Metamorphoses is a story that is written in a style similar to a fairytale. It is beautifully written and still remains highly relevant in today's world.

This is a wonderful book indeed! It has the power to touch the hearts and minds of readers.

I apologize for any spelling or grammatical errors. ^.^

So, this is truly bizarre.

I had to read some of the stories twice because the symbolism was sometimes rather elusive for me.

This collection of short stories has been referred to as fairy tales, but I think moral fantasies is a more accurate description for them.

One story is set in a country called Normalia. It initially began as a mental institution, and as it became overcrowded, it just kept expanding until it reached the size of a country. When it was written, it was perhaps a commentary on Nazi Germany. However, I also found it to be a fitting description of North Korea.

A couple of the stories are romances, while a couple others are about the attempt to become a great artist.

In yet another story, a man has a discussion with his stove.

Overall, it's a great book, but it really helps to be open to the symbolism, as in some stories it is more prominent than in others.

Fairy tales that possess the logic of dreams - indeed, at least two are simply direct accounts of dreams, at least as per the author. Quite a number have to do with birds serving as symbols for the human spirit. However, instead of soaring and swooping freely, the birds are pursued, hunted, and tormented, among other things. These stories are like the antithesis of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Hesse also incorporates a couple of stories about painters and trees - and almost every one includes some sort of transformation (thus the title).

While I have a preference for Hesse's nonfiction and poetry, these fairy tales are still worthy of a look. Especially for those who are interested in Jungian psychoanalysis, which is clearly an influence, as Hesse mentions in a couple of stories. The title story even features Hesse's own watercolor illustrations that resemble something from Jung's Red Book or Blake's manuscripts. They add an extra layer of depth and mystery to the tales, making them all the more engaging and thought-provoking. It's interesting to see how Hesse weaves together elements of the subconscious, nature, and transformation in these unique fairy tales.

3.5/5 STARS

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"Pictor's Metamorphoses" is presented here, accompanied by a half century of Hesse's other short writings.

Inspired by the Arabian Nights and the tales of the Brothers Grimm, these nineteen stories showcase the entire spectrum of Hesse's lifelong preoccupation with fantasy.

They take the forms of dreams, fairy tales, folktales, satire, and allegory.

Hesse's vivid imagination and unique literary style bring these fantastical worlds to life.

Readers can expect to be transported to realms filled with magic, mystery, and profound insights.

Each story offers a different perspective on the human condition and the power of the imagination.

Whether it's a dreamlike journey through a strange land or a satirical take on society, Hesse's short writings are sure to captivate and inspire.

This collection provides a comprehensive look at Hesse's work and is a must-read for fans of fantasy and literature alike.

Hermann Hesse, inspired and influenced by classical German folktales, crafts a world filled with child-like fantasy.

Some of his stories directly draw from these folk classics that he devoured as a child. Many of these tales are allegorical in nature, not easily grasped in a single reading. Yet, each one holds a moral with universal appeal.

One story that leaves a deep impression is "Hannes". It is about two brothers, born of different mothers. The younger one leaves home in search of work, while the older stays behind to labor for their father, who shows a clear preference for him over the younger. These two brothers, modeled after "Cain and Abel", couldn't be more different.

Another remarkable story is "King Yu". As one might expect, this tale is set in the Far East - China. It appears to be a reimagining of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf", with the queen taking the place of the boy. One prominent element is that of blind love. The king in this story, King Yu, is completely smitten by the queen and does everything to please or pacify her, ultimately leading to the downfall of an entire kingdom.

These are just two of the nineteen short tales in the collection "Pictor's Metamorphoses". By reflecting on these enduring tales of beauty and wisdom, we can gain a deeper appreciation of Hesse's genius.