Subject
Strindberg, August, 1849-1912 Books
Best books
August Strindberg
The Confession of a Fool
"The Confession of a Fool" by August Strindberg is an autobiographical novel written in 1887–1888. This lightly fictionalized account chronicles Strindberg's tumultuous first marriage to Siri von Essen from 1874 to 1887. Written hastily in French as his marriage collapsed, Strindberg feared a conspiracy among European women to portray him as insane. The book reveals his version of the truth about their stormy relationship, leading to obscenity charges and a pirated publication that appeared despite his protests.
L. (Lizzy) Lind-af-Hageby
August Strindberg, the Spirit of Revolt: Studies and Impressions
"The Spirit of Revolt: Studies and Impressions" by L. Lind-af-Hageby is a critical examination written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the life and works of August Strindberg, a prominent figure in literary history known for his provocative views and tumultuous personal life. Through its essays, the work delves into Strindberg's struggles with societal norms and his unflinching quest for self-expression, as well as the contradictions in his character that shaped his expansive literary output. The opening of the book introduces readers to August Strindberg's complex personality and artistic journey. It discusses his role as a literary iconoclast, engaging in battles against established norms of morality, religion, and social order. The narrative provides a lens into his early life, highlighting the profound impact of his childhood experiences on his later works, particularly his psychological introspection and relationship with women. Themes of rebellion, societal critique, and the internal struggles of the self are woven throughout this early discourse, setting the stage for a deep exploration of Strindberg's significant contributions to literature and the arts.
August Strindberg
The Inferno
"The Inferno" by August Strindberg is an autobiographical novel written in French in 1896–97. The book chronicles Strindberg's turbulent life in Paris and beyond, where isolation, failed alchemical experiments, and occult practices fuel his descent into paranoia. Believing himself persecuted by enemies and guided by mysterious forces, he explores Swedenborgianism, mysticism, and various philosophies while growing increasingly convinced that his life has become a living hell. Part confession, part invention, the work blurs reality and exaggeration for dramatic effect.
August Strindberg
Inferno
"Inferno" by August Strindberg is an autobiographical novel written in French in 1896–97. Isolated in Paris and separated from his family, the narrator descends into paranoia and obsession, pursuing alchemy, occultism, and Swedenborgianism. He fears persecution from fellow artists, believes he possesses magical powers, and sees mysterious forces guiding his life. As he moves between Paris, Austria, and Sweden, his experiences transform into a living hell—though evidence suggests Strindberg may have invented or exaggerated much of his account for dramatic effect.
Otto Heller
Prophets of Dissent : Essays on Maeterlinck, Strindberg, Nietzsche and Tolstoy
"Prophets of Dissent: Essays on Maeterlinck, Strindberg, Nietzsche and Tolstoy" by Otto Heller is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The work analyzes the contributions and philosophies of four significant literary figures, each representing distinct currents in modern thought and social transformation. The essays delve into their radical viewpoints and artistic pursuits, exploring how their ideas intersect and diverge in relation to the pressing issues of their time. The opening portion of the collection sets the stage for a discussion of Maurice Maeterlinck, emphasizing his mysticism and humanitarianism, particularly in the context of World War I. Heller reflects on how the war has affected contemporary literature, noting a decline in artistic expression among major writers of the era. He contrasts this with Maeterlinck, whose unyielding spirit and humanitarian sympathies intensified in light of his homeland's suffering, making him a powerful voice against the tide of misery. The intent is to foreground Maeterlinck's perspective as both a reflection of the human condition and a quest for meaning amidst chaos, thereby establishing a thematic foundation for the essays that follow.
August Strindberg
Inferno; Legenden
"Inferno; Legenden" by August Strindberg is a philosophical drama written in the late 19th century. The work explores profound themes of existence, despair, and the struggles of the human spirit through allegorical figures such as God, Lucifer, Adam, and Eve. The narrative delves into the creation of the world and the tension between good and evil, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and the human condition. At the start of the play, a dramatic confrontation unfolds between God and Lucifer in the heavens, where God expresses his intent to create a new world filled with beings who will foolishly challenge divine authority. Lucifer, embodying enlightenment, warns against the suffering that will ensue, expressing his desire to reveal the truth to humanity. The dialogue sets the stage for a cosmic battle between forces of good and evil, as it introduces Adam and Eve on Earth, who soon encounter temptation personified by Lucifer in the form of a serpent. This opening portion hints at the blending of existential inquiry and moral conflict that permeates the work, setting a tone of foreboding as it contemplates human ignorance and the pursuit of knowledge.
August Strindberg
The Growth of a Soul
"The Growth of a Soul" by August Strindberg is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the life and inner struggles of the protagonist, John, who grapples with his identity, aspirations, and the realities of societal class distinctions. As he navigates the tumultuous landscape of university life and early adulthood, readers are introduced to themes of ambition, class conflict, and the quest for personal fulfillment. The opening of the novel sets the stage for John's journey as he arrives at the university in Upsala, filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Surrounded by a new world of students with varying backgrounds, John confronts the harsh truths of competition and the fragility of friendships. He reflects on his limited finances and lack of resources, which inhibit his academic ambitions. This initial chapter also highlights the contrasts between John's democratic ideals and the aristocratic behavior of his peers, symbolizing the broader societal tensions he must navigate as he seeks to define his own path in a world laden with expectations and class constraints. As he struggles with his identity, his friendships, and his prospects, readers witness the complexity of his character and the profound impact of the societal structures around him.
August Strindberg
Legends: Autobiographical Sketches
"Legends: Autobiographical Sketches" by August Strindberg is a collection of autobiographical essays written in the early 20th century. This work delves into Strindberg's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections, particularly focusing on the turbulence of his life during his middle years. Through a lens that intertwines existential thought with vivid anecdotal accounts, the sketches explore themes of personal suffering, social critique, and the exploration of the human psyche. At the start of the collection, Strindberg introduces the setting of his life's struggles, particularly emphasizing a period of financial ruin and social isolation while residing in Lund, Sweden. He presents himself as a "possessed exorcist," grappling not only with external adversities, such as lack of financial means and acceptance from society, but also with intense spiritual and psychological turmoil. The narrative paints a picture of a man at war with himself, navigating through loneliness, financial hardship, and the challenge of reconciling his past beliefs with his current reality. With encounters that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural, Strindberg lays the groundwork for a deeply reflective exploration of the human condition, hence setting the tone for the rest of the sketches that follow.
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