Swedish enlightenment literature was written between approximately 1732 and 1809. Key figures included the mystic

Emanuel Swedenborg Emanuel Swedenborg (, ; born Emanuel Swedberg; 29 March 1772) was a Swedish pluralistic-Christian theologian, scientist, philosopher and mystic. He became best known for his book on the afterlife, ''Heaven and Hell'' (1758). Swedenborg had a ...

, the botanist

Carl Linnaeus Carl Linnaeus (; 23 May 1707 – 10 January 1778), also known after his Nobility#Ennoblement, ennoblement in 1761 as Carl von Linné#Blunt, Blunt (2004), p. 171. (), was a Swedish botanist, zoologist, taxonomist, and physician who formalise ...

, the poet Johan Henrik Kellgren and the songwriter and performer

Carl Michael Bellman Carl Michael Bellman (; 4 February 1740 – 11 February 1795) was a Swedish songwriter, composer, musician, poet and entertainer. He is a central figure in the Swedish song tradition and remains a powerful influence in Swedish music, as well ...

From spirituality to science and poetry

There were only a few notable writers in spiritual matters in the 18th century. The most notable exception is

(1688–1772) who published some 30 mystical 30 works, such as ''Heaven and its Wonders and Hell From Things Heard and Seen'' (1758). Swedenborg almost exclusively wrote in Latin, but his work did have a significant influence on others for centuries to come. In the 18th century, Latin accelerated its decline in favor of the national language. One of the first proponents of producing material for a general public was the botanist

(1700–1772). Later key figures included the poet Johan Henrik Kellgren and the songwriter and performer

Bellman

(1740–1795) is one of few Swedish 18th century characters who has never lost the appreciation of common people. He was born in Stockholm and lived there for most of his life. Education did not turn out well; instead he became interested in pleasurable activities. He made himself a reputation as a cheerful poet and singer-songwriter.Algulin, pp.54–61 Bellman's two principal works are ''Fredman's Epistles'' ("

Fredmans epistlar ''Fredmans epistlar'' (English: ''Fredman's Epistles'') is a collection of 82 poems set to music by Carl Michael Bellman, a major figure in Swedish 18th century song. Though first published in 1790, it was created over a period of twenty years ...

") in 1790 and ''Fredman's Songs'' ("

Fredmans sånger ''Fredmans sånger'' (in English, ''Fredman's Songs'' or ''Songs of Fredman'') is a collection of 65 poems and songs published in 1791 by the Swedish poet Carl Michael Bellman. As a follow-up to ''Fredmans epistlar'' from the previous year, the ...

") in 1791, each comprising some 80 songs. A striking theme is the freedom with which his main characters display themselves: they drink anywhere at any time, and make love anywhere at any time. All the same, death is always lurking around the corner.Algulin, pp.54–61

Notes and references

* Algulin, Ingemar, ''A History of Swedish Literature'', published by the Swedish Institute, 1989. * Tigerstedt, E.N., ''Svensk litteraturhistoria'' (Tryckindustri AB, Solna, 1971) {{Carl Michael Bellman Swedish literature 18th-century literature