Hjalmar Bergman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hjalmar Bergman
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Hjalmar Bergman
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| Born | 19 September 1883 Örebro, Sweden |
| Died | 1 January 1931 (aged 47) Berlin, Germany |
Hjalmar Fredrik Elgérus Bergman (born September 19, 1883, in Örebro, Sweden – died January 1, 1931, in Berlin, Germany) was a famous Swedish writer and playwright. He is known for his unique stories that often mix humor with a bit of sadness. Many of his tales take place in a fictional Swedish town called Wadköping, which was inspired by his own hometown.
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About Hjalmar Bergman's Life
Hjalmar Bergman was the son of a banker in Örebro. He briefly studied philosophy at Uppsala University. However, he soon decided to stop his studies. Instead, he chose to become a full-time writer.
He married Stina Lindberg. Her father, August Lindberg, was a well-known actor and stage producer. For many years, Hjalmar's father supported him financially.
After his father passed away in 1915, Hjalmar discovered the family business was in debt. This meant he had to earn money from his writing. He started writing in a more engaging and entertaining way to attract more readers. This challenge pushed him to create some of his best works in the next ten years.
Bergman's Fictional World: Wadköping
Many of Hjalmar Bergman's stories are set in a small town in central Sweden. This town, called Wadköping, grows into a detailed fictional world. It's like a parallel universe where many families live and their secrets slowly come to light.
Bergman's stories often have a sad or serious side. But he always balances this with a funny and exaggerated humor. For example, in his book Markurells i Wadköping, the humor almost completely covers up the sadness.
The fictional town of Wadköping is based on two real places. One is Bergman's hometown, Örebro. The other is Västerås, where he finished high school. Like Västerås, Wadköping has a bishop, but Örebro does not. In 1965, Örebro opened an open-air museum showing 19th-century city life. They named it Wadköping, honoring Bergman's famous fictional town.
Notable Works by Hjalmar Bergman
Hjalmar Bergman wrote many books and plays during his career. Here are some of his well-known works:
- Maria, Jesu moder (1905) (meaning: Maria, Mother of Jesus)
- Solivro. Prins af Aeretanien (1906)
- Blå blommor (1907)
- Savonarola (1909)
- Amourer (1910)
- Hans Nåds testamente (1910, His Grace's Will or The Baron's Will). This book was made into a film in 1919.
- Vi Bookar, Krokar och Rothar (1912)
- Loewenhistorier (1913)
- Komedier i Bergslagen, I - III (1914 - 1916)
- Mor i Sutre (1917)
- Marionettspel (1917) (Marionette Plays). This collection includes Mr Sleeman Is Coming.
- En döds memoarer (1918, English translation Memoirs of a Dead Man, translated by Neil Smith, 2007)
- Markurells i Wadköping (1919, God's Orchid). The literal translation is The Markurells in Wadköping.
- Herr von Hancken (1920)
- Farmor och vår Herre (1921, Thy Rod and Thy Staff). The literal translation is Grandmother and Our Lord.
- Eros begravning (1922)
- Swedenhielms (1923). This play was adapted into a film of the same name in 1935. It was also made into a film in 1943 called Ein glücklicher Mensch.
- Jag, Ljung och Medardus (1923)
- Chefen Fru Ingeborg (1924, English translation The Head of the Firm, Allen & Unwin, 1936)
- Flickan i Frack (1925)
- Jonas och Helen (1926)
- Kerrmans i Paradiset (1927)
- Lotten Brenners ferier (1928)
- Clownen Jac (1930, Jac The Clown)
Works Adapted for Stage and Screen
Some of Bergman's stories were turned into plays or movies:
- Hans Nåds Testamente, Markurells i Wadköping (1929, radio and stage versions)
- Fathers and Sons (1930, German film script with Paul Merzbach, based on Markurells i Wadköping)
- Markurells i Wadköping (1931, Swedish film script with Paul Merzbach, based on Markurells i Wadköping)
Works Under a Different Name
Hjalmar Bergman also wrote one work using the name Holger Brate:
- Falska papper (1916)
Selected Filmography
Hjalmar Bergman was involved in writing for several films:
- Anna-Clara and Her Brothers (1923)
- Charles XII (1925)
- Kalle Utter (1925)
- The Flying Dutchman (1925)
- A Perfect Gentleman (1927)
See also
In Spanish: Hjalmar Bergman para niños
