Sult
The breakthrough modernist novel and the clearest entry point into Hamsun's early psychological fiction.
Author guide
Knut Hamsun Books in Order
Knut Hamsun (1859–1952) was a Norwegian writer whose novels, stories, plays, poetry, essays, and travel writing profoundly influenced modern literature. His breakthrough came with Hunger (1890), followed by Mysteries and Pan. His later agrarian and anti-modernist works included Growth of the Soil, for which he received the 1920 Nobel Prize in Literature. Hamsun’s support for Germany during the Second World War remains a defining and controversial part of his legacy.
novelsshort storiesplayspoetryessaystravel writingmemoir
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Mysterier
A central early novel that develops Hamsun's destabilizing, subjective narrative style.
Pan: Af Løjtnant Thomas Glahns Papirer
One of Hamsun's best-known novels and a concise introduction to his lyrical treatment of nature, desire, and alienation.
Markens Grøde
The Nobel Prize-winning mature novel and the fullest expression of Hamsun's agrarian vision.
Paa gjengrodde stier
His final major book, combining memoir, self-defense, and reflections on the postwar aftermath.
Read in order
Books by series
trilogy · complete
Kareno Trilogy
A trilogy of plays centered on the idealist Ivar Kareno and his conflict with society and modern life.
trilogy · complete
Wanderer Trilogy
A trilogy following the restless wanderer Knut Pedersen and his encounters with work, love, and aging.
duology · complete
Benoni and Rosa
A two-volume novel about the ambitious Benoni Hartvigsson and the people of a northern coastal community.
duology · complete
Segelfoss
A two-volume novel tracing social and economic change in the community of Segelfoss.
trilogy · complete
Landstrykere–August Trilogy
A trilogy following the exuberant, opportunistic wanderer August and the changing communities he enters.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (15)
- Den Gaadefulde: En kjærlighedshistorie fra NordlandAmazon ↗
novel · 1877
- BjørgerAmazon ↗
novel · 1878
- Fra det moderne Amerikas AandslivAmazon ↗
nonfiction · 1889
- SultAmazon ↗
novel · 1890
- MysterierAmazon ↗
novel · 1892
-
Redaktør LyngeAmazon ↗novel · 1893
- Ny JordAmazon ↗
novel · 1893
- Pan: Af Løjtnant Thomas Glahns PapirerAmazon ↗
novel · 1894
- Victoria: En kærligheds historieAmazon ↗
novel · 1898
-
SværmereAmazon ↗novel · 1904
- Markens GrødeAmazon ↗
novel · 1917
- Konerne ved vandpostenAmazon ↗
novel · 1920
- Siste kapitelAmazon ↗
novel · 1923
- Ringen sluttetAmazon ↗
novel · 1936
- Romanen om RebanAmazon ↗
novel · 1997
Nonfiction (2)
Short fiction (5)
- Siesta: SkitserAmazon ↗
short-story-collection · 1897
- Kratskog: Historier og SkitserAmazon ↗
short-story-collection · 1903
- Stridende Liv: Skildringer fra Vesten og ØstenAmazon ↗
short-story-collection · 1905
- Livsfragmenter: Ni novellerAmazon ↗
short-story-collection · 1988
- Sanger til klart vejrAmazon ↗
short-story-collection · 2002
