Geijer, Eric Gustaf

Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)

yi'er, Eric Gustaf (1783-1847), the most noted of Swedish historians. He was born at Ransater, Wermland. He began to lecture at Upsala University at the age of twenty-three and was made professor of history in 1817. Geijer was a man of many talents, his very versatility impeding advancement in any one line of which he was really capable. He is known widely in his own country as a poet and musician, as well as a historian, and he was influential also in politics. He was foremost among the founders of the "Gotische Bund," or Gothic League, or School, which aimed at a national spirit and character in literature. This organization published a periodical called Iduna. As in the old myth the "apples of Iduna" restored youth to the gods who began to feel the approach of age, so the Gothic School aimed to revive the national spirit which of old bound the Gothic race together as one family. The Gothic School turned its attention to the myths and legends and the history of ancient Scandinavia, and soon gained an ascendency over the "Phosphorists," as those writers were called who favored the romantic element in literature. Geijer wrote stirring lyrics and ballads which hold an important place in Swedish literature . He planned several vast historical works, not one of which he was able to complete, but which, even in their unfinished state, are of the highest importance. The Chronicles of Sweden was the title given a work designed to embrace the history of the country from the earliest mythological ages to the present time. The first volume only was completed. It is a valuable inquiry into the sources of early history. Other titles are the History of the Swedish People, The Condition of Sweden from the Death of Charles XII to the Accession of Gustavus III, and Feudalism and Republicanism. The Chronicles of Sweden presents all that belongs to the North, its gods, its mythic doctrines, its grand traditions, its heroes, vikings, runes, and poets, carrying whole ages of history in their trains. In Geijer's hands the dry bones of history and chronology live like the actual flesh and blood of the present time.--Botta.