Carl Christian Rafn

Danish historian, translator and antiquarian (1795-1864)

Carl Christian Rafn belongs to the literary record as a writer whose work outlasted the moment that produced it.

The record lists Carl Christian Rafn as Danish historian, translator and antiquarian (1795-1864).

Carl Christian Rafn was born at Brahesborg in 1795. His recorded nationality is Denmark. He was educated at University of Copenhagen.

The eighteenth century built the literary marketplace - periodicals, subscription publishing, and readers who paid.

He worked as explorer, archaeologist and prehistorian.

Literature is judged by re-reading, which is a slower and harsher test than acclaim.

Recognition followed: Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog (1828).

That the work was written from Denmark matters: language, censorship and the reach of a publishing industry decide which books travel and which stay local.

Carl Christian Rafn died in 1864, aged 69. The books remain, which is the only durable form a writing life takes.

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