Þórarinn Eldjárn
Encyclopedia
Þórarinn Eldjárn is an Iceland
ic writer born on 22 August 1949. He studied at the University of Lund and the University of Iceland
. He has written numerous poems, stories, and novels. He has also translated numerous books into Icelandic, including Alice in Wonderland. In addition, he has produced a number of children's poetry books, seemingly somewhat inspired by the works of Dr. Seuss
, with illustrations by his sister.
His best known work internationally is the novel Brotahöfuð ("The Blue Tower"), which was nominated for an IMPAC Dublin Literary Award in 2001. Locally he is well known and respected for his short stories (most often offering humorous social satire), and his equally humorous and witty poetry, such as his "Disney Rhymes" (1974) - The Walt Disney
Story presented as an epic tale in the rímur
fashion.
In 2008, the Icelandic publishing house Vaka-Helgafell, released the entire collection of his poetry which instantly became a best seller.
His father was Kristján Eldjárn
, third President of Iceland
(1968–1980). He has three sons: Úlfur Eldjárn, Ari Eldjárn and Halldór Eldjárn.
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
ic writer born on 22 August 1949. He studied at the University of Lund and the University of Iceland
University of Iceland
The University of Iceland is a public research university in Reykjavík, Iceland, and the country's oldest and largest institution of higher education. Founded in 1911, it has grown steadily from a small civil servants' school to a modern comprehensive university, providing instruction for about...
. He has written numerous poems, stories, and novels. He has also translated numerous books into Icelandic, including Alice in Wonderland. In addition, he has produced a number of children's poetry books, seemingly somewhat inspired by the works of Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss
Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American writer, poet, and cartoonist most widely known for his children's books written under the pen names Dr. Seuss, Theo LeSieg and, in one case, Rosetta Stone....
, with illustrations by his sister.
His best known work internationally is the novel Brotahöfuð ("The Blue Tower"), which was nominated for an IMPAC Dublin Literary Award in 2001. Locally he is well known and respected for his short stories (most often offering humorous social satire), and his equally humorous and witty poetry, such as his "Disney Rhymes" (1974) - The Walt Disney
Walt Disney
Walter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O...
Story presented as an epic tale in the rímur
Rímur
In Icelandic literature, a ríma is an epic poem written in any of the so-called rímnahættir . They are rhymed, they alliterate and consist of two to four lines per stanza...
fashion.
In 2008, the Icelandic publishing house Vaka-Helgafell, released the entire collection of his poetry which instantly became a best seller.
His father was Kristján Eldjárn
Kristján Eldjárn
Dr. Kristján Eldjárn was the third President of Iceland, from 1968 to 1980.His parents were Þórarinn Kr. Eldjárn, a teacher in Tjörn, and Sigrún Sigurhjartardóttir. He graduated in archaeology from the University of Copenhagen and taught at the University of Iceland...
, third President of Iceland
President of Iceland
The President of Iceland is Iceland's elected head of state. The president is elected to a four-year term by universal adult suffrage and has limited powers. The president is not the head of government; the Prime Minister of Iceland is the head of government. There have been five presidents since...
(1968–1980). He has three sons: Úlfur Eldjárn, Ari Eldjárn and Halldór Eldjárn.
External links
- Iceland literature site on him
- Skáld mánaðarins "Poet of the Month", at the Icelandic schools' site, Skólavefurin: short biography and some poems, with readings by the author.
- Keflvíkingasaga A satirical short story by Þórarinn in which a real Viking arrives in present-day Iceland and tries to settle there.