Narcissus And Goldmund by Hermann Hesse

The novel explores the complex friendship between two diametrically opposed characters: one, a cerebral and ascetic monk dedicated to a life of contemplation and spiritual discipline, and the other, a passionate and sensual artist driven by the pursuit of beauty and worldly experiences. Set against the backdrop of medieval Europe, the story delves into themes of duality, the search for meaning, and the reconciliation of the spiritual with the carnal. As the two men journey through their lives, their intertwined paths lead them to profound insights about the nature of human existence, creativity, and the eternal struggle between the intellect and the senses.

The 1673rd greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 227

Since this book was first published in 1930, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 227.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.