The Original Steppenwolf the Life and Work of Hermann Hesse (1877-1962)

Abstract

This article describes the life and work of Novel laureate Hermann Hesse, one of the most important and worldwide bestselling German writers. With the word “Steppenwolf” the title of a novel-Hesse coined the since then famous term for a nonconformist loner in a society. By giving biographical background information, highlighting some crucial incidents of his life discussing his most important books the reader shall not only obtain a better understanding of Hesse himself, but also get a glimpse on German literature and culture in general, for both are inseparably connected.