Gertrude Author:Hermann Hesse Hesse's third novel, Gertrude, was originally published in 1910; this is its first American publication. His theme is the sources of creativity, and the novel reflects Hesse's lifelong interest in music. The story is told in the form of a memoir by the composer Kuhn, who achieves eventual success in his art, especially when he comes under the ... more »sway of two artists - Heinrich Muoth, a melancholy and self-destructive opera singer, and the gentle, self-assured, delightful Gertrude.« less