Review by Choice Review
This translation of Peer Gynt is distinguished by the union of wit and sentiment which marks the Norwegian original. In the introduction John Northam, Ibsen scholar and translator of Poems by Ibsen (1986), invites the reader to "feel out the sinew" of the master's varied poetic rhythms; and it is a pleasure to do so in this new version, which is crafted in British rather than American English. The delights of verse and carnival of characters brought to life throughout the five acts provide the bounty of Ibsen's genius, which thereafter turned to the prose theater for which he is famous in the US. The earlier poetry is one reason his later dramatic prose has its power. Along with the informative and inviting introduction, endnotes give background essential to a fuller appreciation of this 1867 masterpiece. A selected bibliography is appended. Recommended for all libraries. J. G. Holland; Davidson College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
