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Josef Petersen

1881 – 1973

Danish writer

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About Josef Petersen

Lived 1881 – 1973 (aged 92). Josef Petersen was a Danish journalist, author and prose writer.

Josef Petersen (16 September 1881 – 22 November 1973) was a Danish author, known for many novels with historical motifs, often ancient or medieval, written from 1910 to 1949.

Josef Petersen was the son of a vicar and was a maternal grandson of the Norwegian poet Johann Sebastian Welhaven. Petersen, who worked as a journalist and foreign correspondent, has never been fully recognized by Danish literary historians, though his work was respected by contemporary critics for its knowledge of and empathy with ancient cultures. His best known book is Kongeofret ("The Royal Sacrifice") of 1923 with Asian motifs, and his Columbus novel En Verden stiger af Havet ("A World Rises from the Sea") of 1935 is also notable.

Petersen took a special interest in athletics and sport. He was a participant in the last Danish duel in 1913. He won three silver Olympic medals in art for his prose-lyric tales with Ancient Greek athletic themes: Euryale in 1924, Argonauterne ("The Argonauts") in 1932 and Den Olympiske Mester ("The Olympic Champion") in 1948).

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Important facts

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Josef Petersen's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Josef Petersen?

Danish writer

When was Josef Petersen born?

Josef Petersen was born on 16 September 1881.

When did Josef Petersen die?

Josef Petersen died on 22 November 1973.

What was Josef Petersen's occupation?

Josef Petersen was a journalist, author and prose writer.

What nationality was Josef Petersen?

Josef Petersen was Danish.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Josef Petersen

· Wikidata: Q6280079

· DBpedia: Josef Petersen

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Josef Petersen. https://biography.guide/josef-petersen/

MLA: "Josef Petersen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/josef-petersen/.

Chicago: "Josef Petersen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/josef-petersen/.

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