Hermann Hesse

Originally published in 1943, The Glass Bead Game was Herman Hesse's last novel. It was hailed as his magnum opus, and was instrumental in securing him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946.

Set in a utopian future society, it explores themes of knowledge, individualism, creativity and spirituality, and has inspired contemporary thinkers from authors to game designers. Narrated by Derek Jacobi, this two-part radio drama tells the story of Joseph Knecht (Tom Ferguson), plucked from obscurity as a young orphan, admitted to the finest elite school and groomed for greatness in the Castalian Order. This select group of intellectuals live a closeted life of study and devotion to the Glass Bead Game, an elaborate game that is the most complete possible expression of every discipline - from science and mathematics to the arts, music and philosophy.

In the remote Kingdom of Castalia, the scholars of the Twenty Third century play the Glass Bead Game, a fusion of all human knowledge - of maths, music, philosophy, science, and art. Intrigued as a school boy, Joseph Knecht becomes consumed with mastering the game as an adult.