Georg Brandes

Full Name and Common Aliases

Georg Morris Cohen Brandes was a Danish literary critic, scholar, and philosopher. He is commonly known as Georg Brandes.

Birth and Death Dates

Brandes was born on February 4, 1842, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He passed away on February 19, 1927, at the age of 85.

Nationality and Profession(s)

Georg Brandes was a Danish national, and his primary profession was that of a literary critic and scholar. However, he also worked as a philosopher, educator, and writer.

Early Life and Background

Brandes was born into a family of Jewish descent in Copenhagen, Denmark. His father, Isaac Cohen Brandes, was a successful merchant, and his mother, Louise née Morris, came from a family of intellectuals. Georg's early life was marked by a passion for literature and learning. He spent much of his youth reading extensively and developing a deep appreciation for the works of William Shakespeare.

Brandes' academic career began at the University of Copenhagen, where he studied philosophy, literature, and history. During this period, he developed close friendships with other notable Danish intellectuals, including Hans Christian Andersen's nephew, Edvard Collin. These relationships would later influence his work as a literary critic and scholar.

Major Accomplishments

Brandes' most significant contributions to the world of literature and criticism include:

Revival of interest in Shakespeare: Brandes played a pivotal role in reviving interest in Shakespeare's works, particularly in Denmark. He championed the playwright's genius and argued that his works should be studied and appreciated for their literary merit.
Founding of the "Modern Breakthrough" movement: In 1871, Brandes co-founded the "Modern Breakthrough," a literary movement aimed at promoting new ideas and styles in Danish literature. This movement had a lasting impact on Danish culture and paved the way for future generations of writers and artists.
Scholarship and translation work: Throughout his career, Brandes was an accomplished scholar and translator. He translated numerous works from English into Danish, including Shakespeare's plays and other notable literary pieces.

Notable Works or Actions

Some of Brandes' most notable works include:

"William Shakespeare: A Critical Study" (1877): This book is considered one of Brandes' most significant contributions to the field of Shakespearean scholarship. In it, he offers a critical analysis of Shakespeare's plays and argues for their enduring literary value.
"The Main Phenomena of Contemporary Literature" (1883): In this work, Brandes provides an overview of contemporary literature in Europe, discussing major trends and movements.

Impact and Legacy

Georg Brandes' impact on the world of literature and criticism is immeasurable. He played a pivotal role in shaping the literary landscape of Denmark and beyond:

Revitalizing interest in Shakespeare: Through his work, Brandes helped to establish Shakespeare as a central figure in European literature, paving the way for future generations of scholars and critics.
Influencing Danish culture: The "Modern Breakthrough" movement, which Brandes co-founded, had a lasting impact on Danish culture, promoting new ideas and styles that continue to shape the country's artistic and literary landscape.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

Georg Brandes is widely quoted or remembered due to his:

Pioneering work in Shakespearean scholarship: As one of the leading experts on Shakespeare, Brandes' contributions to the field have had a lasting impact.
* Role in shaping Danish culture: The "Modern Breakthrough" movement and other literary endeavors left an indelible mark on Danish society.

Overall, Georg Brandes was a renowned literary critic, scholar, and philosopher who made significant contributions to the world of literature and criticism. His work continues to be studied and appreciated today, making him one of the most important figures in the history of literary scholarship.