Georg Brandes Danish literary critic Date of Birth: 04.02.1842 Country: Denmark

Biography of Georg Morris Cohen Brandes

Georg Morris Cohen Brandes (1842–1927) was a Danish literary critic. He was born on February 4, 1842, in Copenhagen. After a brief study of law, he turned to aesthetics and philosophy. His early books, "On Dualism in Our Modern Philosophy" (Om dualismen i vor nyeste filosofi, 1866) and "Aesthetic Studies" (Æstetiske Studier, 1868), showcased his insightfulness as a critic and his admiration for contemporary French literature. In 1870, he visited Paris, Rome, and London. Upon returning to Copenhagen, Brandes began giving university lectures in 1871, which were published from 1872 to 1890 under the title "Main Currents in 19th Century European Literature" (Hovedstrømninger i det nittende aarhundredes litteratur). These lectures were a direct challenge to the prevailing intellectual conservatism and stagnation of the time.

In 1875, Brandes published the Danish translation of John Stuart Mill's book "The Subjection of Women." He lived in Germany, where he wrote significant critical and literary works such as "Danish Poets" (Danske digtere, 1877), "Esaias Tegner" (1878), "Benjamin Disraeli" (1878), "Writers and Works of New European Literature" (Mennesker og værker i nyere europæisk litteratur, 1883), and "Ludvig Holberg" (1885). In all his works, Brandes proved himself to be an unwavering advocate of realism and an opponent of accepted authorities and dogmas.

Among Brandes' most important works is the monograph "William Shakespeare" (1895–1896) and "Henrik Ibsen" (1898). During the last two decades of his life, he produced significant biographical works such as "Wolfgang Goethe" (1914–1915), "Voltaire" (1916–1917), "Cajus Julius Caesar" (1918), and "Michelangelo Buonarotti" (1921). Brandes passed away in Copenhagen on February 19, 1927.