Laxness, Halldór, << LAHKS nehs, HAHL dohr >> (1902-1998), became the most significant writer in modern Icelandic literature. Laxness was awarded the 1955 Nobel Prize for literature.
Laxness experimented with many different literary styles during his long career. He is best known for a series of novels that reflect the social life of rural Iceland. They are Salka Valka (1931-1932), Independent People (1934-1935), and World Light (1937-1940). The novels are noted for their social criticism and lyrical prose style. Laxness added to his literary reputation with the trilogy Iceland’s Bell (1943-1946), set in the late 1600’s and early 1700’s in Iceland. The work shows the influence of medieval Icelandic sagas.
Laxness was born in Reykjavik, Iceland. His real name was Halldor Kiljan Gudjonsson. He took the name Laxness, which means Salmon Peninsula, from the name of his father’s farm, where he grew up. His early novels Under the Holy Mountain (1924) and The Great Weaver from Kashmir (1927) deal with a young man’s spiritual turmoil. Laxness visited the United States from 1927 to 1929, which resulted in his conversion to socialism. His socialist views influenced his writing of the 1930’s and 1940’s. His fiction beginning in the late 1950’s was more lyrical and personal. Laxness’s later novels include The Fish Can Sing (1957), Paradise Reclaimed (1960), and Christianity at Glacier (1968).
In addition to his novels, Laxness wrote plays, poetry, short stories, and critical essays. He also edited several Icelandic sagas. He published his memoirs as The Bread of Life and Days with Monks (both 1987).
