Larsson, Stieg (1954-2004), a Swedish author and journalist, gained international popularity with his “Millennium” trilogy. The trilogy consists of three mystery novels, all published after Larsson’s death. The first book of the trilogy, Män Som Hatar Kvinnor, was published in 2005. The title means “Men Who Hate Women,” but the book was published in English as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The second book in the trilogy is Flickan Som Lekte Med Elden (The Girl Who Played with Fire, 2006). The last is Luftslottet Som Sprängdes (2007), which means “The Air Castle That Exploded,” but it was published in English as The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest or The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest. A popular series of motion pictures based on the trilogy was released in Sweden in 2009. A version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was released in the United States in 2011.
The trilogy’s central character is Lisbeth Salander, a young computer genius with a photographic memory—that is, the ability to remember accurately and in detail things she has seen. Salander gradually discovers that she has become the center of an evil conspiracy that reaches into the heart of the Swedish government. Salander’s chief ally as she fights the conspiracy is the journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who works for a magazine called Millennium. The novels are filled with action, violence, and suspense.
Larsson completed the manuscripts for all three novels shortly before he died of a heart attack on Nov. 9, 2004. Larsson did not attempt to publish the books until shortly before his death. The novels quickly became international best sellers. Larsson left a fragment of a fourth novel at his death.
Karl Stig-Erland Larsson was born outside Skellefteå on Aug. 15, 1954. He was a science-fiction fan, and his earliest writings were in that field. He also edited several science-fiction magazines. Larsson became an investigative journalist, exposing the activities of radical conservative and racist organizations in Sweden.
