of "The Great Four" Norwegian writers. Bjørnson matriculated at the University of Oslo in 1852, soon embarking upon a career as a journalist, focusing on criticism of drama. In 1857 he published Synnøve Solbakken, the first of his peasant novels; this was followed by Arne (1858), the most important specimens of his peasant tales. Although Bjørnson has introduced into his novels and plays songs of extraordinary beauty, he was never a very copious writer of verse. Between 1864 and 1874 he was mainly occupied with politics, and with his business as a theatrical manager. Bjørnson's political opinions had brought upon him a charge of high treason, and he took refuge for a time in Germany. A subject which interested him greatly was the question of the bondemaal, the adopting of a national language for Norway distinct from the Dansk-norsk. Amongst his famous works are: Absalom's Hair (1898), Three Comedies (1912) and Three Dramas (1914).

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