Fun Facts Friday: Davíð Stefánsson

Davíð Stefánsson (21 January, 1895 – 1 March, 1964) was a well-known poet and novelist from Iceland.

Books by Davíð Stefánsson*

Fun Facts about Davíð Stefánsson:

1. Stefánsson was born in Fagriskógur, Eyjafjördur, Iceland to a culture yeoman family.
2. The author postponed going to high school after become ill with pleurisy. Even though pleurisy could be a precursor to tuberculosis, the young man recovered and never got the infection.
3. The author was brought up on Iceland’s literature and folklore.
4. Between 1915 – 1916, Stefánsson stayed in Copenhagen where he, along with other young Icelanders founded Boðn, a poetry association.
5. Finally starting his classes at Reykjavík High School in 1916, the classes were discontinued when World War I started to save money during the winter.
6. Even though he traveled a lot, Davíð Stefánsson lived most of his life in the town Akureyri.
7. Stefánsson occupation was a librarian.
8. The poet’s early poetry included love lyrics, as well as folk themes. However, later in life his poetry turned dark, including social satire.
9. Stefánsson’s later poetry had anti-Capitalism and anti-organized religion themes.
10. The poet never got married, nor had any children. He died in Akureyri and is buried at Möðruvellir in Hörgárdalur with his parents and other relatives.

Books by Davíð Stefánsson*

Zohar — Man of la Book
*Ama­zon links point to an affil­i­ate account, the money is usually spent on books