August Annist

August Annist (until 1936 August Anni; 28 January 1899 Leie, Võisiku Parish – 6 April 1972 Tallinn) was an Estonian literary and folklore scholar, writer and translator.

Annist is regarded as the doctor of modern folklore. In 1920 he was one of the founders of student organization Veljesto. Most of his work, during this time, was published in student-organized periodicals. Annist graduated from the University of Tartu with a double master's degree in Estonian language and literature. Annist participated in the Estonian War of Independence. Annist viewed independence for Estonia as a way to develop independent culture for the country. He hoped to orient Estonia towards the democratic traditions of the Nordic countries.

From 1929 until 1945, he taught at the Tartu University of Tartu (a docent since 1938). From 1932 until 1940, he edited the book series Elav teadus. From 1945 until 1951 he was in prison in Valga and Harku camp. 1958-1971 he worked at Estonian SSR Academy of Sciences' Institute of Language and Literature.

Works

"Kalevala" kui kunstiteos. Tartu Eesti Kirjastus 1944 Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwaldi muinasjuttude algupära ja kunstiline laad. Eesti Raamat, Tallinn 1966 Noorusmaa (collection of articles). Compiled by Hando Runnel. Ilmamaa, Tartu 2011