Siddhartha

<b>The classic novel of a quest for knowledge that has delighted inspired and influenced generations of readers writers and thinkers--a perennial favorite for graduation gifts.</b> <p/><b>Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's <i>The Great American Read</i></b> <p/>Though set in a place and time far removed from the Germany of 1922 the year of the book's debut the novel is infused with the sensibilities of Hermann Hesse's time synthesizing disparate philosophies-Eastern religions Jungian archetypes Western individualism-into a unique vision of life as expressed through one man's search for meaning. <p/> It is the story of the quest of Siddhartha a wealthy Indian Brahmin who casts off a life of privilege and comfort to seek spiritual fulfillment and wisdom. On his journey Siddhartha encounters wandering ascetics Buddhist monks and successful merchants as well as a courtesan named Kamala and a simple ferryman who has attained enlightenment. Traveling among these people and experiencing life's vital passages-love work friendship and fatherhood-Siddhartha discovers that true knowledge is guided from within.