Henrik Pontoppidan Books

At the height of his powers, Per Sidenius, the son of a poor religious minister, is a fortunate man. He has the whole of the approaching twentieth century in his grasp: a fabulously rich Jewish heiress as a soon-to-be wife, burgeoning fame as a forward- and free-thinking man of the ‘New Age’ and success in having put his sorry childhood behind him. But just as he reaches the lofty heights of bourgeois success, Per begins to deeply question his life. A series of events then unfold which Nobel Prize–winning author Henrik Pontoppidan describes with unflinching honesty and intensely human passion. Here is the hectic foment of social and religious debate, the unrepentant greed of finance sharks, the hot coals of pure and illicit love. Then the biggest questions of all – who am I and what have I to do? With A Fortunate Man (1898–1904) one of Denmark’s greatest ever writers manages not only to sound the depths of his nation’s soul but also to paint a huge European canvas stretching from vintage Copenhagen to the sultry heat of Rome at the turn of the nineteenth century. Heralded by such influential figures as Thomas Mann and Georg Lukács as a seminal work, this is a truly breathtaking novel which places Henrik Pontoppidan as one of the true greats of modern European literature.

Exploring the quest for an ideal domestic life, the narrative follows Niels Thomsen, a young man who marries his childhood friend Marie and purchases a farm. As he strives to create a perfect home, Niels confronts the disparity between his dreams and the harsh realities of rural life. Themes of love, marriage, family, and societal expectations are intricately woven throughout the story. Recognized as one of Henrik Pontoppidan's most beloved works, this novel holds a significant place in Danish literary history.

The narrative centers on Johannes Nielsen, a young man from Jutland who seeks happiness and success in Copenhagen. His journey leads him to engage in various social and political movements that reshape his worldview and life. The novel delves into significant themes such as class differences, social justice, and love, making it a notable work in Danish literature. Recognized as one of Henrik Pontoppidan's masterpieces, it continues to resonate with readers today.

Recognized for its cultural significance, this work contributes to the foundational knowledge of civilization. Scholars have highlighted its importance, emphasizing its role in understanding historical contexts and cultural developments.

Henrik Pontoppidan's early work, published in 1896, showcases his evolution from engineer to journalist and writer. Known for his deep exploration of Danish culture, Pontoppidan gained acclaim for notable titles like The Promised Land and won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1917. This edition includes a new introductory biography, providing context to his literary contributions and the societal themes he addressed throughout his career.