This general survey of the 'classic' period of Norwegian literature provides an introduction for the general reader as well as the student. Professor Downs begins with a historical survey which explains the political background to this period of flowering. He then turns to the individual authors, treating the greatest individually, and grouping minor figures together. Bjørnson and Ibsen naturally dominate the account, but they are seen as members of a national movement, and the general cultural and social background are kept in view. Final chapters look forward to 'the new century'. Originally published in 1966, this was the first book in English devoted entirely to the period. It is fuller than general histories of Scandinavian literature, yet more general than studies of single authors. The text assumes no knowledge of Norwegian but the footnotes help the specialist towards further reading, and discuss points of substance using some Norwegian.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Prefatory note; Map of Norway, showing the principal places mentioned in the text; 1. Preliminary; 2. Bjørnson; 3. Ibsen before 1884; Elster and Lie; 5. Kielland and Amalie Skram; 6. Garborg and other Landsmaal authors of his time; 7. Ibsen after 1882; 8. The Norwegian theatre: Gunnar Heiberg; 9. The new men of the 'nineties; 10. Linck and Hamsun; 11. The new century; 12. Coda; General notes; Bibliographical appendix; Index.
