Holberg, Ludwig (1684–1754)

Norwegian-born Danish dramatist and writer. He is considered to be the founder of modern Danish literature. His works include the comedy Jeppe paa Bjerget/Jeppe of the Mountains 1722.

In 1722 he produced a translation from French of Molière's L'Avare/The Miser for the new Danish theatre, Den Danske Skueplads, in Copenhagen. This was followed by numerous original comedies 1722–28, including Henrik og Pernille 1724.

Holberg was born in Bergen, Norway, and studied there and in Copenhagen. He spent two years in Oxford, England, 1704–06 and in 1711 printed his first work, a history of Europe. After the closing of the theatre in 1727, he turned his attention to historical and philosophical writings.