Anton Hansen, a celebrated Estonian writer, born on January 18th (Old Style) / January 30th, 1878, in Järvamaa, Estonia, is renowned for his remarkable literary contributions.
Hailing from a humble farming background, Hansen's family, with his father's subscription to newspapers, fostered his love for learning and enabled him to pursue education.
He enrolled in the University of Tartu to study law, only to have his academic journey interrupted by tuberculosis in 1911.
Consequently, Hansen spent over a year in a sanatorium in Sochi, Russia, where he devoted himself to reading classical works and honing his literary skills.
Upon his recovery, he relocated to his brother's farm, where he spent six years further refining his craft, laying the foundation for his future literary success.
As Estonia emerged from its tumultuous past to claim its hard-won independence in the year 1918, Tammsaare made the pivotal decision to relocate to the vibrant city of Tallinn, where he would go on to craft a diverse array of prose works that drew heavily from the rich tapestry of Estonian history and culture, thus securing a position of prominence within the annals of Estonian literature.
Throughout his literary endeavors, Tammsaare's creative output was significantly influenced by the philosophical ideologies of prominent thinkers such as Henri Bergson, Carl Jung, and Sigmund Freud, whose ideas he skillfully wove into the fabric of his novels, imbuing them with a depth and complexity that has continued to captivate readers to this day.
Notwithstanding his admiration for the cosmopolitan ideals that were gaining traction during his lifetime, Tammsaare remained a steadfast skeptic of this movement, instead advocating for the notion that Estonian culture was best served by individuals who hailed from rural backgrounds, where the values of hard work, simplicity, and a deep connection to the land were paramount.
Tammsaare's literary endeavors were significantly impacted by the distinguished writers of his time, including the esteemed Oscar Wilde, the celebrated Knut Hamsun, and the renowned André Gide. However, it was the Russian realists who left a profound mark on his work. Among the Russian masters, Tammsaare held a deep admiration for the literary giants Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Gogol. In particular, he considered Dostoevsky's magnum opus, Crime and Punishment, to be a groundbreaking and profoundly influential work.
In the early stages of his career, Tammsaare's writing was characterized by a distinctive blend of rural "poetic" realism, which was a hallmark of his unique style. As his literary journey progressed, his works began to reflect the urban influences that shaped his perspective and artistic vision. One of his most internationally acclaimed novels, Devil with a False Passport, has cemented his reputation as a master storyteller.
Tammsaare's magnum opus, the esteemed and renowned pentalogy, "Truth and Justice", is widely regarded as one of the most significant and influential works of Estonian literature, aptly dubbed "The Estonian Novel". Until 2014, this literary masterpiece had remained elusive to English readers, but Haute Culture Books finally brought the first volume to the English-speaking world.
Tammsaare's younger sister, Maria Hansen, played a significant role in his life as the mother of actor Arno Suurorg, who would later become his nephew. This familial connection served as a reminder of the importance of family and the impact that one's upbringing can have on their future endeavors.
Throughout his life, Tammsaare's passion for literature, philosophy, and psychology was evident, as he devoted a significant amount of time and energy to studying and exploring these subjects. His love for learning and his desire to understand the world around him drove him to become well-versed in a wide range of topics, allowing him to approach his work with a unique perspective.
As a dedicated advocate for Estonian culture, Tammsaare was deeply committed to preserving and promoting the country's rich heritage. His efforts to promote Estonian literature, music, and art helped to ensure that the country's unique cultural identity would be preserved for future generations.
In summary, Tammsaare's life was marked by his love for learning, his dedication to Estonian culture, and his commitment to his family. These factors played a significant role in shaping his life and work, and continue to inspire others to this day.
