The Story of Gösta Berling

Simple cover image of "The Story of Gösta Berling" book by Casa Carlini from the Selma Series with a classic design.

$9.99

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The Story of Gösta Berling (Gösta Berling's Saga)

Originally published in 1891, The Story of Gösta Berling (also known as Gösta Berling's Saga) is the debut novel of Selma Lagerlöf. This foundational work of Swedish romanticism is inspired by the legends, superstitions, and fairy tales of the Värmland region in nineteenth-century Sweden.

Plot Summary

The story follows Gösta Berling, a young country pastor whose alcoholism leads him to be defrocked and cast out. Broken and penniless, he is taken in by the Mistress of Ekeby, a powerful ironmaster and the wealthiest woman in the province. Gösta becomes the leader of the "cavaliers"—a group of twelve vagrant, fallen gentlemen living on her decaying estate. Together, they engage in a power struggle with the Mistress, embarking on a series of adventures that incorporate supernatural lore, vignettes, and symbolism.

Product Specifications

Author: Selma Lagerlöf
Translator: Lillie Tudeer
Original Publication: 1891 (submitted to and won a literary contest sponsored by the Swedish journal Idun)
Adaptation: Adapted into the 1924 silent film starring Greta Garbo in her breakthrough role