Birger Sjöberg (1885–1929) was a Swedish poet, novelist and songwriter, whose best-known works include the faux-naïf song collection Fridas bok (Frida's book) and the novel Kvartetten som sprängdes (The quartet that split up), a somewhat Dickensian relation about stock-exchange gambling in the twenties, and the frantic efforts to recover.

Originally a journalist, Sjöberg wrote songs in his spare time. His debuted as a serious writer with the 1922 publication of Fridas bok (Frida's book), which was both a critical and popular success. Following a series of concert tours, he withdrew from public life and focused on his writing.

After his death in 1929, a new series of songs and a selection of poems were published.

Selected works

Prose and poetry by Birger Sjöberg:

  • Fridas bok (Frida's book) 1922
  • Kvartetten som sprängdes (The quartet that split up) 1924
  • Kriser och kransar (Crises and laurel wreaths) 1926
  • Fridas andra Bok (Frida's second book) 1929
  • Minnen från jorden (Memories from the Earth) 1940

Translations of his works in English

  • Anthology of Swedish Lyrics 1930
  • Modern Swedish Poetry Pt. 2 1936
  • Scandinavian Songs and Ballads 1950
  • Twentieth Century Scandinavian Poetry 1950
  • Twelve Pieces from Frida's Book 1975
  • When First I Ever Saw You LP 1980
  • Swedes on Love CD 1991
  • Frida's New Clothes 2008

His life in English

  • A History of Swedish Literature 1961
  • A History of Swedish Literature 1989
  • A History of Swedish Literature 1996

Image gallery

See also

External links

Swedish

English

Translations