Geijer, Erik Gustav

views updated

Erik Gustav Geijer (ā´rĬk gŭs´täv yī´ər), 1783–1847, Swedish historian and poet. A leader in the revival of Swedish national literature, he also taught history at the Univ. of Uppsala. His History of the Swedes (tr. 1845), terminating with the reign of Queen Christina, is his best-known work. Geijer also wrote hymns, lyrics, and songs that enjoyed wide popularity. Previously known as a conservative, he created considerable stir in 1838 when he turned to liberalism and reform.