Birger Sjöberg

Birger Sjöberg (1885–1929) was a Swedish poet, novelist and songwriter, whose best-known works include the faux-naïf song collection Fridas bok (Frida's book) and the novel Kvartetten som sprängdes (The quartet that split up),Merriam-Webster's encyclopedia of literature, (Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster,1995) p. 1038. a somewhat Dickensian relation about stock-exchange gambling in the twenties, and the frantic efforts to recover.

Originally a journalist, Sjöberg wrote songs in his spare time. His debuted as a serious writer with the 1922 publication of Fridas bok (Frida's book), which was both a critical and popular success. Following a series of concert tours, he withdrew from public life and focused on his writing.

After his death in 1929, a new series of songs and a selection of poems were published.

Selected works Prose and poetry by Birger Sjöberg: Fridas bok (Frida's book) 1922 Kvartetten som sprängdes (The quartet that split up) 1924 Kriser och kransar (Crises and laurel wreaths) 1926 Fridas andra Bok (Frida's second book) 1929 Minnen från jorden (Memories from the Earth) 1940

Translations of his works in English Anthology of Swedish Lyrics 1930 Anthology of Swedish Lyrics, trans. by Charles Wharton Stork, (New York: The American-Scandinavian Foundation, 1930). Modern Swedish Poetry Pt. 2 1936 Modern Swedish Poetry Pt. 2, trans. by C. D. Locock, (London: H. and W. Brown, 1936). Scandinavian Songs and Ballads 1950 Scandinavian Songs and Ballads, trans. by Helen Asbury, (Mullsjö: Anglo-American Center, 1950). Twentieth Century Scandinavian Poetry 1950 Twentieth Century Scandinavian Poetry, trans. by Helen Asbury and Martin S. Allwood, (Stockholm: Kooperativa Förbundets Bokförlag, 1950). Twelve Pieces from Frida's Book 1975 Twelve Pieces from Frida's Book, trans. by Michael Roberts, (Grahamstown: Michael Roberts, 1975). When First I Ever Saw You LP 1980 When First I Ever Saw You LP, trans. by Tom Fletcher and Michael Roberts, (Stockholm: Sonet, 1980). Swedes on Love CD 1991 Swedes on Love CD, trans. by Roger Hinchliffe, (Stockholm: Roger Records, 1991). Frida's New Clothes 2008 Frida's New Clothes, trans. by Stork, Locock, Asbury, Roberts . . ., (Vänersborg: Birger Sjöberg-sällskapet, 2008).

His life in English A History of Swedish Literature 1961 A History of Swedish Literature by Alrik Gustafson, (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1961). A History of Swedish Literature 1989 A History of Swedish Literature by Ingemar Algulin, (Stockholm: Swedish Institute, 1989). A History of Swedish Literature 1996 A History of Swedish Literature edited by Lars G. Warme, (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1996).

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Birger Sjöberg

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