Herman Bang

Author Code: NHBX

Bang was educated at Soroe Academy and began studying law; however, his interest in literature and the theatre proved stronger. After his parent's death, Bang lived with his grandfather who was a minor poet and who had a strong influence on Herman. When his grandfather died in 1877, Bang made an unsuccessful attempt to become an actor. He turned to journalism and took a job with Jyllands-Posten in 1878, and in the succeeding years worked for a number of Danish newspapers including Dagbladet, Morgen-Telegrafen and Nationaltidene. His first publication consisted of a series of essays collected under the title Realisme og Realister (1879, Realism and Realists) and he showcased his critical talents in Kritiske Studier (Critical Studies) the following year. In 1880, he also pubished his first novel, Haabloese Slaegter (Generation Without Hope) and a collection of short stories, Tunge Melodier (Heavy Melodies). In 1882, he became editor of the periodical Vor Tid, which allowed his literary talents more scope. During this period he produced a number of stage dramas and even achieved his dream of acting by appearing in a number of plays including Ibsen's Gengangere. Between 1884 and 1887, Bang travelled throughout Europe, but continued to send articles back to Denmark. On his return home, he published Tine (1889) and in 1890 his novella, The Four Devils, appeared to much acclaim. Suffering from depression and hysteria, Bang became an addict of opium and morphine and even attempted suicide at one point. He continued to travel, spending many years in Paris and in 1912 travelled to America to begin a lecture tour which he hoped would take him around the world. He was found dying in a railway car on the way to California and his death was never fully explained. Among Bang's most well-known works are Excentriske Noveller (1885, Eccentric Short Stories), Stille Eksistenser (1886, Humble Lives), Ved Vejen (1886, By The Roadside), Stuk (1887, Stucco), Ludvigsbakke (1896, Ludvig's Hill), Det Hvide Hus (1898, The White House), Liv og Dod (1899, Life and Death), Det Graa Hus (1901, The Grey House), Michael (1904) and Saelsomme Fortaellinger (1907, Strange Tales).