Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 April 1898 — HENRIK IBSEN. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HENRIK IBSEN.

the Great Norwegian Writer Was 70 Years Old the Other Day. Ibsen chibs and various other literary and dramatic organizations the world over recently celebrated the 70tb birthday of Henrik Ibsen, the great Norwegian writer. Few foreign men of letters have attracted such universal attention as this retiring and frequently almost inaccessible Norwegian writer. Of his works much is known; of his personality, little. Ibsen was born In the little town of Skien, in a mountainous region of Norway, and his early life was passed under restrictions that were far from havinga tendency to develop the latent genius of the boy. His education was received in a private school under the conduct of two theological students, and later in the university of Christiana. While at college, and even before, he had done considerable writing, and his plays were so well received that, a’, the close of his college career, he wa‘ engaged as dramatic manager of th principal theater of the country. H continued here until the Danes got int< trouble with the Prussians in 18G-I Then he became disgusted at his owi countrymen for not joining the Danes, and began to write caustic epigrams criticising the spirit of the Norwegian masses. His railings accomplished nothing, but he himself became so disgusted that he left the country and remained in Rome and Dresden about twenty-five years. He wrote niany books, and for each there was always a ready sale. His writings have been translated Into several languages', and when it becomes known that Ibsen has a new book coming there is a great stir among all classes of people, and the wonder is what the book is to be about. This Is a secret that is withheld even from the members of his own family. In his home life Ibsen is a bundle of peculiarities. He has a Avife and son,

who is a doctor of philosophy, and is married into one of the most distinguished families in the country. His home is bright and cheerful. His study is a cosy little corner, stored with a collection of well-selected and well-mark-ed books, affording ample conveniences and comforts within, and looking upon a panorama of magnificent scenery without. He is a man of moods. If you can catch him in the humor, you can get from him readily one day what no amount of persuasion could Avrlng from him the next. In the throes of composition he is absolutely inaccessible. He never goes to church, and does not believe In church organizations. He thinks srell of Americans, and frequently talks of making an American tour.

HENRIK IBSEN.