The Glass Bead Game by Hermann Hesse

The Glass Bead Game

by Hermann Hesse

In the remote Kingdom of Castalia, the scholars of the Twenty Third century play the Glass Bead Game. The elaborately coded game is a fusion of all human knowledge - of maths, music, philosophy, science, and art. Intrigued as a school boy, Joseph Knecht becomes consumed with mastering the game as an adult. As Knecht fulfils his life-long quest he must contend with unexpected dilemmas and the longing for a life beyond the ivory tower.

Reviewed by ayla_abbott on

1 of 5 stars

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It's probably great, but not my style. One of the few books I've had to put down because I just couldn't get into it. Like Gravity's Rainbow or Dhalgren...just couldn't see the point of going on, even after making it halfway through. If you love biographies, and science fiction, and whatever this is, you'll probably love it.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 10 April, 2022: Finished reading
  • 10 April, 2022: Reviewed