{"id":5975,"date":"2025-12-29T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beltz-grafische-betriebe.com\/referenzen\/hermann-hesse-kurgast-new-edition-with-illustrations-by-karin-widmer\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T14:31:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T12:31:48","slug":"hermann-hesse-kurgast-new-edition-with-illustrations-by-karin-widmer","status":"publish","type":"referenzen","link":"https:\/\/beltz-grafische-betriebe.com\/en\/referenzen\/hermann-hesse-kurgast-new-edition-with-illustrations-by-karin-widmer\/","title":{"rendered":"Hermann Hesse: \u201cKurgast\u201d \u2013 New edition with illustrations by Karin Widmer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hermann Hesse: \u201cKurgast\u201d \u2013 New edition with illustrations by Karin Widmer<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To mark the 100th anniversary of the first edition of Hermann Hesse\u2019s *Kurgast*, the publisher Officina Ludi has released an elaborately designed new edition. A special feature: the illustrations are by Karin Widmer, the author\u2019s great-granddaughter. Produced in close collaboration with the publisher, the book features high-quality craftsmanship\u2014a project that subtly blends literary tradition with modern book design.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result is a bibliophile edition that impresses not only with its content but also with its form and craftsmanship. In addition to the standard edition, a limited deluxe edition featuring a signed print was also published. An additional, hand-bound all-leather edition was distributed by the publisher at the same time, though it was not produced by us.  <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Satirical Observations with Historical References<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.officinaludi.de\/hermann-hesse-kurgast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8220;Kurgast&#8221;<\/a>was first published in 1925 and is one of Hermann Hesse\u2019s lesser-known but stylistically distinctive prose works. In it, the author draws on his own experiences during a three-week spa stay in Baden near Zurich\u2014in the form of a diary-like text featuring observations, reflections, and annotated scenes from everyday life. Hesse\u2019s tone is slightly mocking, at times detached, yet always precise in his descriptions of the people around him and their quirks.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of content, the text provides insight into the spa system of that era and documents the social dynamics within a medical-therapeutic setting. It is precisely this personal approach that creates an authentic portrait of the atmosphere of the 1920s. In this new edition, the text gains additional depth through the illustrations by Karin Widmer, which stylistically reflect the spirit of the original edition without appearing overly historical.  <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design, Features, and Technical Implementation<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The edition we produced is a hardcover with thread-sewn binding. For the interior, we used 120 g\/m\u00b2 Salzer eos natural paper, which is well-suited for both text and graphic elements. The illustrations were embedded directly into the text and are closely linked to the respective chapters. During production, special emphasis was placed on a precise and high-contrast reproduction of the line work in order to optimally convey the artist\u2019s delicate drawing style.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The design of this edition is understated but carefully executed. The typography draws on the historical context but has been adapted to create a modern and highly legible typeset. The cover, endpapers, and finishing details are harmoniously coordinated, and the thread-sewn binding ensures durability and a pleasant feel when opening the book. In addition, a signed deluxe edition in a slipcase was published, aimed at collectors and bibliophiles. The separate full-leather edition was produced outside our workshop.    <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new edition of *Kurgast* demonstrates how literary texts can attract fresh attention through design elements\u2014without distorting their historical essence. The combination of a family connection\u2014with the great-granddaughter serving as the illustrator\u2014and a restrained, high-quality production lends the book a special authenticity. For Beltz Grafischen Betriebe, this project was a valuable opportunity to combine book craftsmanship with a literary work of timeless relevance.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Would you like to learn more about our reference projects? <a href=\"https:\/\/beltz-grafische-betriebe.com\/referenzen\"><strong>Visit our case studies page<\/strong><\/a> and discover more examples from our portfolio.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"parent":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-5975","referenzen","type-referenzen","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beltz-grafische-betriebe.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/referenzen\/5975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beltz-grafische-betriebe.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/referenzen"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beltz-grafische-betriebe.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/referenzen"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beltz-grafische-betriebe.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}