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Carl BrandesDanish politician, critic and writer
Date of Birth: 21.10.1847
Country:  Denmark |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Early Literary Career
- Political and Editorial Career
- Founding of 'Politiken'
- Literary Criticism and Det Radikale Venstre
- Governmental Service
Early Life and Education
Edward Brandes was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, as the younger brother of Georg and Ernst Brandes. He studied comparative philology at university, specializing in Oriental languages, particularly Persian and Sanskrit. He earned a doctorate in Oriental languages and later pursued a literary career, excelling in the art of playwriting.
Early Literary Career
Brandes began his literary endeavors with translations from Sanskrit. He eventually penned his own works, showcasing his potential for significant literary success. However, his trajectory changed course abruptly in the 1870s when he entered the realm of politics.
Political and Editorial Career
From 1880 to 1894, Brandes served as a member of the Danish national parliament, the Folketing, representing the liberal-conservative Venstre party. He also played a key role in editing the party-affiliated newspaper 'Morgenbladet' from 1880 to 1883. However, disagreements within the editorial team led to his dismissal in 1883.
Founding of 'Politiken'
In 1884, Brandes co-founded another newspaper, 'Politiken', with Viggo Hørup and Hermann Bing. Through 'Politiken', he promoted literature that aligned with his political views and criticized works associated with the National Liberals. He particularly targeted imitators of Nikolaj Grundtvig, despite acknowledging the quality of some of their writing.
Literary Criticism and Det Radikale Venstre
Despite his political allegiances, Brandes made significant contributions to Danish literary criticism. He joined Det Radikale Venstre party in 1905 and served in the upper house of parliament, the Landsting, from 1906 to 1927.
Governmental Service
Brandes held the post of Minister of Finance twice, from 1909 to 1910 and from 1913 to 1920. He was the father-in-law of Norwegian chemist Georg Dedichen.
