The life and careers of Norwegian authors Knut Hamsun and Sigrid Undset, both awarded with the Nobel Prize in Literature, are presented by Professor Marianne Stecher-Hansen and award-winning translator Tiina Nunnally, at the Smithsonian, Monday, November 14, at 6:30 pm.
Knut Hamsun (1859–1952) and Sigrid Undset (1882–1949) rank among the greatest Scandinavian writers. Both won the Nobel Prize in literature. Hamsun received the award in 1920, primarily for his monumental novel, Growth of the Soil, although he is best known today for his classic works Hunger, Mysteries, and Pan.
In 1928, Undset was awarded the coveted prize for her epic trilogy, Kristin Lavrandsdatter, and the four-part The Master of Hestviken, both of which confirmed her reputation as a magnificent chronicler of Medieval life in the North. She was also cited for the compelling realism of her modern novels such as Jenny.
In this program, Marianne Stecher-Hansen, associate professor of Scandinavian literature at the University of Washington, and Tiina Nunnally, award-winning translator of Kristin Lavransdatter, showcase the lives and careers of Hamsun and Undset. The celebrated authors’ books are available after the program.
Tickets: Gen. Admission $18, RAP Members $15, Senior Members $13