Thomas Feitknecht

One of the most unusual figures in Hesse's circle of friends is the psychoanalyst Josef Bernhard Lang (1881–1945). Without this doctor, who was close to C.G. Jung, the poet would hardly have succeeded in overcoming the deep depression brought on by World War I. The turning point in Hesse's work, which began with "Demian," marked his transition from a traditionally connected storyteller to an experimental visionary of future developments. Through J.B. Lang, who published a book titled "Did a God Create the World?", Hesse became acquainted with the worldview of the Gnostics and their Abraxas symbolism, which questioned traditional thinking long before Nietzsche.

"Other people may understand this and that about art," Hesse wrote to Lang, "but no one understands the dark and wild side of the soul as well as you do." The relationship, which soon developed into a friendship, shows Lang as Hesse's agent in dealing with his family problems, while also illustrating how the roles of doctor and patient gradually reversed. Struck by misfortunes, Lang ultimately found himself dependent on Hesse's help.

Lang was also the one who inspired Hesse to take up watercolor painting. During their talk therapy sessions, he encouraged him to express his dreams not only verbally but also visually. In doing so, Hesse discovered his talent for painting and drawing.

Until now, this correspondence was considered lost. It has now surprisingly resurfaced and is published here in full for the first time. The exchange provides a fascinating insight into a relationship that began in April 1916 and ended in 1945 with Lang's death as a patient in the psychiatric clinic where his medical career began.