Scandinavian Studies 374/Literature in Translation 274
Masterpieces of Scandinavian Literature:
The Twentieth Century. 

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Isak Dinesen (1885-1962)

Isak Dinesen is the pseudonym of the Baroness Karen Blixen. Dinesen lived in Africa from 1914 until 1931, where she ran a coffee plantation. After the farm went bankrupt, Dinesen turned to literature as a means of financial support. She published Seven Gothic Tales in 1934 at the age of 49. Dinesen's tales rely heavily on the models of the romantic novella and oral tradition.

Out of Africa is a Hollywood movie based loosely on Dinesen's life in Africa, starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. It won an Oscar for Best Film in 1985.

Babette's Feast is a Danish film based on one of Dinesen's short stories. It one the Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 1987. Rent it if you get a chance.

Copyright © 2001 Susan Brantly. All Rights reserved.