Christian Morgenstern and Henrik Ibsen (an episode in the history of literary translation)

This article discusses the history of creative contacts between great Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen and German poet Christian Morgenstern (1871–1914). Morgenstern’s life was short marred by physical suffering, but fantastically full diverse in terms. A significant part lyrical epistolary legacy published only after his death thanks to efforts wife friends. translations Ibsen’s works date from late 19th century, when new Solomon Fischer’s publishing house (S. Fischer Verlag) Berlin decided publish complete a translation into language that would be worthy original language. The turned young at time still little known who, being love with Scandinavian literature Ibsen, set work enthusiasm, settled family boarding near Christiania, learned Norwegian, consulted corresponded several times as result created for plays, which delighted earned high praise playwright. An authorized edition printed Germany 1898 1904 is now bibliographic rarity. However, many are Morgenstern, primarily an unsurpassed master poetic miniatures unique style humor.