Adam Oehlenschläger (14 November ,1779 – 20 January, 1850) was a Danish poet and playwright who advocated for the appreciation and subjectivity (Romanticism) of nature in Danish literature.
Books by Adam Oehlenschläger*
Fun Facts about Adam Oehlenschläger:
1. Adam Gottlob Oehlenschlägerwas born in in Vesterbro (today a suburb of Copenhagen). Today Vesterbro is one of Copenhagen’s administrative districts and is considered a very attractive place to live.
2. The poet’s father, Joachim Conrad Oehlenschläger, was the keeper of the Frederiksberg’s Palace built by King Frederick IV between 1700 and 1703. His mother, Martha Marie Hansen, suffered from depression, and descended into madness.
3. As early as nine years old, Adam Oehlenschläger started writing verses, and studied Scandinavian mythology.
4. As a young man, he was apprenticed to a tradesman, but also made his debut on the stage. However, he had no talent as an actor. He was persuaded by Anders Sandøe Ørsted, lawyer and politician, to give up acting and and start studying at the University of Copenhagen. Mr. Ørsted later married Sophie, the poet’s sister and became Denmark’s Prime Minister.
5. His studies were interrupted by the death of his mother, as well as love of writing verse. Two years into his studies, 1802, he already had two works in the press, a volume of lyrics and a romance.
6. When philosopher and physicist Henrik Steffens lectured at the university he met Mr. Oehlenschläger one day. The two hand a 16 hour conversation which inspired the young poet to write his poem Guldhornene in one sitting.
7. The next two years were filled with well received works. By the time he was 26, Adam Oehlenschläger was recognized as a leading Danish poet – even by those who didn’t like his work.
8. Adam Oehlenschläger was so successful that he got grants for the government to travel and work. He went to Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland.
9. Back in Denmark, he worked chairing the Aesthetics department at the University of Copenhagen. Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy studying beauty, taste, artistic creativity and more.
10. Adam Oehlenschläger is remembered as the principal pioneer of the Danish romantic movement. On his 70th birthday, he was knighted by the King as Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Dannebrog for his particular contribution to the arts.
Books by Adam Oehlenschläger*
Zohar – Man of la Book
*Amazon links point to an affiliate account, the money is usually spent on books
Sources:
Adam Oehlenschläger | Wikipedia
Adam Gottlob Oehlenschläger: Danish author | Britannica
