If the war goes on: Reflections on war and politics

by Hermann Hesse

Book Overview

One of the most astonishing aspects of Hesse's career is the clear-sightedness and consistency of his political views, his passionated espousal of pacifism and internationalism from the start of World... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553029045
• ISBN13: 9780553029048
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: Bantam Books
• Length: 164 Pages
• Weight: 0.24 lbs.

Customer Reviews

fast delivery, no surprises

The description of the condition of the book was dead on and got my satisfaction. A great purchase and a great book.

Superbly translated essays and letters

This volume covers the period from September 1914 to 1948, and consists of essays and other writings on war and Hesse's reactions to it. I was surprised how what he said resonated with me--filled with opposition to German militarism and detestion of the Nazi horror. I was again reminded of Hesse's greatness, and I don't see how the language of the translation could be better. I was greatly moved by the proof that there were good Germans who cringed in pain as they watched the slide to Hitlerian madness. There are 25 separate pieces and I am glad I own this book, so I can refer to them again and again.

For Hesse Fans and Pacifists Too

What is it like to be a famous German novelist living in Switzerland during World War II? Innumerable Germans at their wits' end would write Hermann Hesse hoping that somehow he could help them. In this collection of short pieces, Hesse shows that the best way he knew to achieve peace was to use his pen. It is worth getting your hands on this book just in order to read "The European," which reminds us that philosophy must above all be practical.

"If the War Goes On" still has me thinking after 20 years...

Hermann Hesse's "If the War Goes On" is different from many of his other books because rather than fiction, it is a book of short essays. The one which still stands out in my mind after 20-plus years is entitled, "The European". The book is worth reading. Hesse was, if I recall correctly, a pacificist whose nationality happened to be German, at a time when war was going on in Europe. The title of the book seems to reflect both the external political cirumstances of the time in which he was writing, but also, and perhaps mainly, conditions of conflict inside people. It is evident from biographies of Hesse that he struggled alot and documented this in his writing. It's time for me to re-read this incredible book.