Knut Hamsun

Date of Birth: August 4, 1859

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: February 19, 1952

Biography

Knut Hamsun was a Norwegian author, regarded as one of the most influential and innovative literary figures of the 20th century. Born Knud Pedersen on August 4, 1859, in Lom, Norway, Hamsun’s writing style evolved from romanticism to modernism. He is best known for his novel “Hunger” (1890), which is considered a pioneer in the psychological literature genre. Hamsun’s work often focused on themes of human nature, the individual’s strife, and societal constraints. His literary achievements earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920 for his novel “Growth of the Soil.” Despite his literary success, Hamsun’s reputation was marred by his support for Nazi Germany during World War II, leading to his post-war trial for treason.

5 Interesting Facts about Knut Hamsun

1. Knut Hamsun was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920.

2. Hamsun’s novel “Hunger” is considered one of the first modernist novels.

3. He was an ardent supporter of Nazi Germany, which led to his trial for treason after World War II.

4. Hamsun initially struggled with poverty and worked various jobs, including as a shoemaker and a store clerk, before achieving literary fame.

5. Despite his controversial political views, Hamsun’s literary works continue to be studied and admired for their psychological depth and narrative innovation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Knut Hamsun

1. “An increasing number of people are engaging in a kind of emotional exhibitionism masquerading as art.”

2. “The intelligent poor individual was more valuable than the unintelligent wealthy one.”

3. “I have gone to the forest.”

4. “The whisper of leaves in the wind… the low murmur of the river… these are the voices of the earth, and they are my voices.”

5. “Language must resound with all the harmonies of music.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Knut Hamsun’s net worth was estimated to be modest compared to contemporary authors, as literary earnings in his time were not as substantial. However, the exact highest net worth figure is not well-documented.