Classics by Kierkegaard and Saxo

Of all the Danish writers throughout history, only a few have had the privilege of being a world name. Naturally, the crème de la crème of international literary history includes Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), whose existential writings and thoughts have had an immense influence on a great deal of modern art and culture in the 20th century and up to today.

Kierkegaard and Andersen

A long list of first editions of Kierkegaard’s most important works are now up for auction, including his masterpiece “Enten-Eller” (Either/Or) (1843), and the incredibly rare first edition of “Om Begrebet Angest” (The Concept of Anxiety) (1844). Also Kierkegaard's debut “Af en endnu Levendes Papirer” (From the Papers of One Still Living) from 1838, which Kierkegaard wrote as a reaction to Hans Christian Andersen’s novel “Kun en spillemand” (Only a Fiddler) from 1837, is  going under the hammer. The work kick started Kierkegaard’s critical career with a scathing criticism of probably the most famous international name in Danish literary history. Andersen also features at the auction with, among other things, a copy of Lykke-Peer (1870), dedicated to his fellow poet Carl Andersen.

In the presence of history

One of the most important works in Danish cultural history, Saxo Grammaticus’ major Danish chronicle of the Danish kings “Gesta Danorum” will also be going under the hammer at the auction. The work was first printed in Paris in 1514 at the behest of learned Dane Christiern Pedersen. Both the first printed edition of Saxo and Anders Sørensen Vedel’s first Danish translation of the work from 1575 feature among the auction highlights. Most of Saxo’s original handwritten manuscript from the 13th century is now lost, making these early prints an important source of reference to early Danish history. The earliest editions made Saxo’s tales known throughout Europe, and particularly one legend from Saxo’s historical work later became world famous: The Legend of Amlet in the fourth book of Saxo’s chronicle was the source of inspiration for William Shakespeare’s masterpiece about Prince Hamlet of Elsinore.

Storm P.’s soulful illustrations

The auction also offers a number of fictional works and letters by major writers, as well as major works on architecture, heraldry, science and history. A number of volumes featuring original graphics by modern artists such as Jorn, Miro, Chagall and Kirkeby are also represented at the auction. A truly charming feature of the auction is a beautifully bound edition of Heiberg’s play “En Sjæl efter Døden” (A Soul after Death) with original illustrations by Storm P. in the margins.

Preview and auction

The preview of the book auction takes place at Baltikavej 10, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø from 10am – 5pm on Thursday 16 February to Friday 17 February, 10 am – 3.30 pm. The hammer will fall online at bruun-rasmussen.dk on Sunday 19 February from 4 pm.

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