To read Hermann Hesse's fairy tales is to enter a fabulous world of dreams and visions, philosophy and passion. This landmark collection contains twenty-two of Hesse's finest stories in this genre, most translated into English here for the first time. Full of visionaries and seekers, princesses and wandering poets, his fairy tales speak to the place in our psyche that inspires us with deep spiritual longing; that compels us to leave home, and inevitably to return; and that harbors the greatest joys and most devastating wounds of our heart. Containing all the themes common in Hesse's great novels Siddhartha, Steppenwolf, and Demian—and mirroring events in his own life, these exquisite short pieces exhibit the same mystical and romantic impulses that contribute to the haunting brilliance of his major works. Several stories, including "The Poet," "The Fairy Tale About the Wicker Chair," and "The Painter," examine the dilemma of the artist, torn between the drive for perfection and the temptations of pleasure and social success. Other tales reflect changes and struggles within society: in "Faldum," a city is irrevocably transformed when each resident is granted his or her fondest wish; in "Strange News from Another Planet," "If the War Continues," and "The European," nightmarish landscapes convey Hesse's devastating critiques of nationalism, barbarism, and war. Illuminating and inspiring, The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse will challenge and enchant readers of all ages. A distinguished and historic publication, this fine translation by Jack Zipes captures their subtlety and elegance for decades nto come.

I have read a lot of, if not most of Hesse's work as I have always been drawn to his style and mystical nature. When I came across his fairy tales I was most interested to see how these would unfold. I was not disappointed as he delivered with all that I would have hoped for and expected from this man.

Hesse has a way of weaving a magical message into his work that is at times strange and at times profound. There are many messages in and lessons in which to partake here and enrich our lives. The kind of book with which you just let your mind go and flow. ( )

When I read fairy tales, it's because I want and expect to feel a sense of wonder, awe, transcendence. Maybe terror, disgust, and/or delight as well. This? So far, I've mostly felt an annoyed sort of meh. DNF, no rating.

Like other works of Hesse, the tales are interesting and thought-provoking, so the title of "fairy tales" isn't necessarily descriptive. Would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys Hesse's works. ( )

"Disse bem Otto Maria Carpeaux, na orelha da primeira edição deste livro, que Hesse não precisava do Prêmio Nobel - a ele conferido em 1946 - para se tornar conhecido e apreciado no Brasil, pois o livro O Lobo da Estepe, anterior ao prêmio e sucesso imediato de crítica e de público em nosso país, já o havia tornado famoso entre nós.
De fato, quando recebeu a láurea máxima da literatura mundial, o alto conceito de que o escritor germano-suíço gozava na Europa tivera forte repercussão entre nós, seus livros já eram avidamente procurados pelos nossos leitores, além do que o pacifismo de Hesse fazia adeptos, passando a exercer uma clara influência que iria estender-se sobre sucessivas gerações após a I Guerra Mundial.
Märchen, ou seja Conto de Fadas, foi o titulo que o autor deu ao original alemão deste seu livro. O lançamento se verificou logo depois de Demian, seu memorável romance que apresentou o nome de Emil Sinclair como autor. Hesse, tão engajado na sua luta de toda a vida contra o militarismo alemão, escondera-se sob um pseudônimo e recebeu o Prêmio Fontane de Literatura, que ele mais tarde devolveu ao ser conhecida a verdadeira autoria do livro.
Sonho de Uma Flauta é o título desta versão brasileira, tirado de um dos nove contos de que o livro se compõe e que relatam, no estilo poético característico de Hermann Hesse, casos por ele testemunhados ou, quem sabe, porventura vividos.
Obra pequena mas de grande valor, Sonho de Uma Flauta seguramente se alinha entre as jóias literárias que nos forma legadas por um dos maiores escritores deste século." ( )