Author: Alice Hale Burnett

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1832–1910) was a Norwegian writer, poet, playwright, and a towering figure in Scandinavian literature. One of the “Four Greats” of Norwegian literature, alongside Henrik Ibsen, Alexander Kielland, and Jonas Lie, Bjørnson was a pioneer of modern Norwegian literature and an active proponent of Norwegian nationalism and cultural independence during the nineteenth century. His works often reflect a firm belief in humanity and individual rights and showcase his exceptional storytelling prowess. Bjørnson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1903, “as a tribute to his noble, magnificent, and versatile poetry, which has always been distinguished by both the freshness of its inspiration and the rare purity of its spirit” (Nobelprize.org). Among his notable works is “The Greatest Christmas Classics of All Time, ” a collection that exemplifies his ability to capture the essence of the Christmas spirit and the perennial themes of love, compassion, and community. His literary style combines the narrative depth of the saga tradition with the keen psychological insight characteristic of modern prose, making his works enduringly popular and an essential part of the Norwegian canon.