1919–1930
A turning point in his life

«Even though the course of life may seem predestined, it is, however, constantly marked by changes which man's will dictates.»

1919

Hesse rents four rooms in the Casa Camuzzi in Montagnola. With great creative energy, Hesse writes various short stories and poems in a few months. He makes new friends and begins painting the landscapes of the Collina d'Oro in numerous watercolours.
Hesse is co-publisher of the magazine Vivos voco «for a new German civilization».

1920

The novella Klingsors letzer Sommer [Klingsor's Last Summer] is published.
First exhibition of Hesse's watercolours at the Kunsthalle in Basel.

1921

A year of crisis and of unproductivity. Psychoanalysis with C. G. Jung.

1922

Siddhartha appears - an Indian poem.

1923

First period of cure in Baden, near Zurich, where he stays every Autumn until 1952.
Hesse will spend various months every winter in Baden, Basle or Zurich, until 1931.
Divorce from his wife Maria.

1924

Hesse obtains Swiss citizenship once more and marries the singer Ruth Wenger.

1925

Kurgast is published (first title: Psychologia Balnearia).
Beginning of two years of crisis.

1926

Hesse frequents the artists' environment in Zurich.
Beginning of his relationship with Ninon Dolbin, neé Ausländer, who will become his third wife.
Hesse is elected a member of the department of poetry of the Prussian Academy of Arts.

1927

Separation from Ruth Wenger.
Der Steppenwolf [Steppenwolf] and Die Nürnberger Reise [The Nurenberg Trip] are published, as well as his first biography written by his friend Hugo Ball on the occasion of his 50th birthday.

1930

Narziss and Goldmund [Narcissus and Goldmund] is published.