Bjornstjerne Bjornson
1832-1910
by William Morton Payne, LL.D.
Translator of Bjornson's "Sigurd Slembe" and Jaeger's "Ibsen," Author of "Little Leaders," Etc.

To Mary


INTRODUCTORY NOTE

When the date of Bjornson's seventieth birthday drew near
at the close of 1902, the present writer, who had been from
boyhood a devoted admirer of the great Norwegian, wished to
make an American contribution to the world-wide tribute of
gratitude and affection which the then approaching anniversary
was sure to evoke. The outcome of that wish was an essay,
summarizing Bjornson's life and work, published in "The
International Quarterly," March, 1903. The essay then written
forms the substance of the present publication, although several
additions have been made in the way of translation, anecdote,
and the consideration of Bjornson's later productions. So
small a book as this is, of course, hopelessly inadequate to
make more than the most superficial sort of survey of the
life work of that masterful personality whose recent death is
so heavy a loss to all mankind.

W. M. P.
Chicago, May, 1910.