Blicher, Steen Steensen (1782-1848)

Danish novelist and poet. After translating 1807-09 the works of the Scottish poet James Macpherson attributed to the mythical Ossian, his greatest achievements were in the short story form, with collections such as Brudstykker af en Landsbydegns Dagbog/Fragments of the Diary of a Country Sexton (1824), Samlede Noveller/Collected Stories 1833-34), set in the Jutland countryside and often conveying a mood of disillusion and disappointment.

Blicher was born in Vium. He lived an unsettled life as a rather unwilling country pastor. Always a rationalist, he was influenced by the nationalist currents of his day.