Henrik Ibsen

Easton Press Henrik Ibsen books

Three Plays (An Enemy of the People, The Wild Duck and Hedda Gabler) - 100 Greatest Books Ever Written - 1979

Peer Gynt - The Collector's Library of Famous Editions - 1985

Franklin Library Henrik Ibsen books

Plays of Henrik Ibsen - 100 Greatest Books of All Time - 1977
Four Plays - World's Best Loved Books - 1981

Four Plays - Oxford Library of The World's Greatest Books - 1983

Henrik Ibsen biography

Henrik Ibsen, a towering figure in the world of literature, was born on March 20, 1828, in Skien, a bustling coastal town in Norway. His early life was marked by financial struggles and familial hardships, as his father faced bankruptcy when Henrik was just eight years old. This challenging start would significantly influence the themes of economic disparity and social critique that would later emerge in his works. Ibsen displayed an early affinity for the arts and left his hometown to work as an apprentice pharmacist in Grimstad. However, his passion for writing prevailed, and he soon turned to a career in the theater. In 1850, he made his debut as a playwright with the play "Catilina," laying the foundation for what would become a prolific and groundbreaking career.

During his early years, Ibsen's works were largely influenced by romanticism, with historical and poetic themes prevalent in his plays. However, it was his later works, often referred to as the "realist" phase, that would secure his lasting impact on world literature. In this transformative period, Ibsen delved into contemporary social issues, offering incisive critiques of societal norms and unveiling the complexities of human relationships. One of Ibsen's most celebrated works, A Doll's House (1879), catapulted him to international acclaim. The play, which explored the constraints of marriage and the societal expectations placed on women, sparked widespread controversy and ignited discussions about gender roles and individual autonomy.

Following the success of A Doll's House, Ibsen continued to produce groundbreaking plays, including Ghosts (1881), An Enemy of the People (1882), and The Wild Duck (1884). These works confronted taboo subjects such as venereal disease, political corruption, and the consequences of societal hypocrisy, establishing Ibsen as a pioneer of modern drama. In his later years, Ibsen lived in self-imposed exile in Germany, distancing himself from the conservative backlash in Norway against his controversial plays. He continued to produce influential works such as Hedda Gabler (1890) and The Master Builder (1892).

Henrik Ibsen passed away on May 23, 1906, leaving behind a legacy that transcends time and borders. His exploration of the human condition, commitment to truth, and fearless confrontation of societal norms have cemented him as a literary giant whose impact on the world of drama and literature endures to this day.