The Four Greats (Norwegian writers)
The Four Greats is a term used for four of the most influential Norwegian writers of the late 19th century.
The Four Greats were:
- Henrik Ibsen playwright, theatre director, and poet who introduced Theatrical realism to the Norwegian stage.
- Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson novelist, dramatist and playwright who became the first Norwegian Nobel laureate.
- Jonas Lie novelist, poet, and playwright focusing largely on the folk life and social spirit of the nation of Norway.
- Alexander Kielland novelist, short story writer, playwright, essayist most known for his satirical writings and short stories.
Originally a publicity gimmick introduced by their publisher, Gyldendal, the term stuck and is still widely used. The four authors had in common that they to some extent belonged to the same generation and were influential in Literary realism within Norway during the period 1860–1890. Additionally Bjørnson, Ibsen and Lie all attended the same school, Heltberg Latin School in Christiania, where they were taught by Henrik Heltberg.
Related reading
- Beyer, Harald; translation by Einar Haugen A History of Norwegian Literature
- Naess, Harald S. ''A History of Norwegian Literature''