Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson

Born:

December 8, 1832, Kvikne, Norway

Died:

April 26, 1910, Paris, France

Nationality:

Norwegian

Profession(s):

Writer, Poet, Playwright, Novelist, Political Activist

Early Life and Education

• Son of a pastor, Peder Bjørnson.
• Spent his childhood in Romsdal and Nesset.
• Educated at Heltberg Latin School in Christiania (Oslo).
• Briefly studied law.

Career and Major Achievements

• Began his literary career as a journalist.
• Became the director of the Bergen theater in 1858.
• Dedicated his life to promoting Norwegian culture and independence.
• Won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1903.
• A leading figure in the Norwegian language struggle.

Notable Works

• Plays:
  • Mellem slagene (Between the Battles, 1857)
  • Sigurd Slembe (1862)
  • En fallit (A Bankruptcy, 1875)
  • Over Ævne I (Beyond Our Powers I, 1883)
• Novels:
  • Synnøve Solbakken (1857)
  • Arne (1858)
  • En glad gut (The Happy Boy, 1860)
• Poetry:
  • Authored the lyrics to the Norwegian national anthem, "Ja, vi elsker dette landet".

Legacy and Impact

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was a highly influential figure in Norwegian literature and culture. His works explored themes of nationalism, social justice, and the human condition. The availability of accurate 'bjørnstjerne bjørnson biography books' contribute to the understanding of his enduring impact.

Awards

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