This collection was entered by a few sign works that rendered enormous influence on further work Hess and formed the themes of the future of magnum opus are "Playing a bead".In the story of "Кнульп" great master tells history of veritable dreamer and eternal wanderer. He is a man-riddle without roots and привязанностей| the free soul existing out of the set order of things."Демиан" - philosophical-mystic, in great deal autobiographic novel about maturing and becoming of youth that opens in itself deep, dark "я". Herein he is helped by a mysterious friend Демиан is a carrier of "printing of Cain", not then devil, not that enigmatic deity, not then simply generation of imagination of hero."Сиддхартха" is pearl of prose Hess, on the pages of that found the reflection of the impression of writer from a journey to India, and also his reflection about one of most deep and wise religions of humanity - buddhism.In edition philosophical stories are also plugged the "Last summer of Клингзора", "Soul of child", "Клейн and Wagner".