Have you ever read works by Hesse (1877-1962)? If so, you are not alone, as the works of this best-selling German author have been widely translated. Shortly after his death, his works soared to world-wide popularity, especially in the 1960s/70s, and continue to rank highly on the charts.

The reason for his popularity is that his works continue to resonate with many and have a message that is timeless, while other authors who were once popular fall by the side and are forgotten.

Thomas Mann wrote of Hesse: “His work raises the familiar to a new, spiritual level, which may be termed revolutionary, not in a direct political or social, but in a psychological, poetic sense; it is truly and authentically open and sensitive to the future.”

A wonderful place to get close to the spirit of this author is at the Hermann Hesse Museum in Switzerland. It is located in the Casa Camuzzi in Montagnola, where Hesse lived after World War I. Here some of his greatest works were written, such as Steppenwolf and Siddhartha.

Montagnola is located in the southern and Italian part of Switzerland near the border with Italy. Driving south from the north transports one from the cooler mountainous realms of Switzerland to the warmer and sunnier, almost tropical locale of this village, where Hesse lived and wrote.

In the museum shop many of his works are available in a variety of languages. The Museum displays many items and pictures, but perhaps most interesting is Hesse’s typewriter. Not a computer laptop, but one of the old manual style typewriters. Moreover, it seems so small, especially in comparison to desktop computers today.

From this interesting and unique artifact Hesse’s works, reviews and other writings were produced, becoming the medium through which his genius was conveyed to the world.

The Museum successfully allows visitors to get to know Hesse more closely than reading about him, providing a more personal and close-up portrait of him to emerge.

Additionally, there are walking paths in the area that were among Hesse’s favorites. Take one through the beautifully landscaped slopes on the hillside below the Museum.

The greenery, tranquility, and sunny warmth of the village are certainly some of the features of the area that must have attracted Hesse to Montagnola, making it an ideal setting not only for his work, but for his museum today, and something well worth visiting while in Switzerland.

Yours truly,

Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, Cincinnati

P.S. For information on the author’s latest book, German-Americana: Selected Essays, please click HERE