Carl Michael Bellman (4 February 1740 – 11 February 1795 / Stockholm)

Do you like this poet?

Carl Michael Bellman was a Swedish poet and composer. Bellman is a central figure in the Swedish song tradition and remains a very important influence in Swedish music, as well as in Scandinavian literature in general, to this day.

Life and Work

Bellman was born in Stockholm. His main works are Fredmans sånger (Fredman's songs) and Fredmans epistlar (Fredman's epistles), each including some 70 songs, many of which are about sociable drinking, or were designed and are still used for such drinking. But this aspect of his songs is not the main reason he has become such an icon in the Scandinavian song tradition. Bellman was a master of rhyme and rhythm, with a ... more »

Click here to add this poet to your My Favorite Poets.