book niels klim’s journey under the ground – baron ludvig holberg (annotated) original content of first edition

niels klims journey under the ground baron ludvig holberg annotated original content of first edition book by ludvig holberg

embark on an extraordinary adventure with niels klims journey under the ground, a seminal work by the celebrated danish-norwegian author ludvig holberg. this classic tale, first published in 1741, offers a satirical and imaginative exploration of a hidden world beneath our own, challenging societal norms and philosophical ideas with wit and profound insight. dive into a narrative that has captivated readers for centuries, renowned for its inventive world-building and sharp commentary on human nature, politics, and society.

niels klims journey under the ground baron ludvig holberg annotated original content of first edition summary

ludvig holbergs niels klims journey under the ground, originally titled nicolai klimii iter subterraneum, plunges readers into a fantastical subterranean realm following the accidental descent of its protagonist, niels klim. after graduating from the university of copenhagen, klim, driven by insatiable curiosity, investigates a mysterious cave and falls into a deep chasm, embarking on an unexpected journey to the planet nazar, located at the earths core. on nazar, klim encounters a world populated by sentient trees, intelligent apes, and diverse civilizations, each with its unique customs, philosophies, and societal structures. the novel masterfully uses this alien landscape as a mirror to satirize 18th-century european society, questioning prevailing notions of morality, science, religion, governance, and sexual equality. holbergs keen observations and biting wit are on full display as klim navigates these bizarre societies, often finding his own earthly assumptions challenged and ridiculed. the narrative structure, akin to other "philosophical voyage" tales of its era, allows for extensive social critique veiled in adventurous storytelling. it is considered one of the earliest works of science fiction, exploring the "hollow earth" concept and influencing later literary giants. this annotated edition aims to shed light on the original content, offering a deeper understanding of holbergs complex satirical intent and the socio-historical context in which it was written.

1. full book name: niels klims journey under the ground (or nicolai klimii iter subterraneum)
2. author name: ludvig holberg
3. genre: satirical novel, science fiction, fantasy, philosophical fiction
4. page count: varies by edition, often around 200-300 pages for translated versions.
5. isbn: varies widely by edition and publisher. older editions may not have standard isbns.
6. asin: varies widely by edition and publisher, particularly for digital formats.
7. edition language: originally published in latin. widely translated into danish, german, french, dutch, english, and other languages.
8. date of publication: 1741 (original latin publication)

about the author ludvig holberg

ludvig holberg (1684–1754) was a danish-norwegian writer, historian, and philosopher, widely regarded as the founder of modern danish and norwegian literature. born in bergen, norway, he spent much of his career in denmark, becoming a professor at the university of copenhagen. influenced by the enlightenment, holberg was a prolific author known for his witty comedies, satirical novels, and significant historical and philosophical works. his writings often critiqued societal follies and advocated for reason and progress, earning him the moniker "molière of the north."

niels klims journey under the ground baron ludvig holberg annotated original content of first edition faq

1. what is the main theme of niels klims journey under the ground?

   the main theme revolves around satire and social commentary. through niels klims adventures in a subterranean world, ludvig holberg critiques various aspects of 18th-century european society, including politics, religion, science, morality, and social conventions, often by presenting these concepts in an alien, inverted, or exaggerated form.

2. where does niels klim travel in the book?

   niels klim falls through a cave in norway and travels to a planet named nazar, located within the earths core. he explores various underground lands and societies on nazar, encountering unique inhabitants and customs.

3. is niels klims journey under the ground considered an early science fiction novel?

   yes, it is widely considered one of the earliest works of science fiction. the novel explores the "hollow earth" concept and features imaginative descriptions of alien worlds and societies, predating many other foundational texts in the genre.

4. what does "annotated original content of first edition" mean in the context of this book?

   this phrase suggests an edition that provides the text as it appeared in the first publication (likely the 1741 latin edition or its early translations) alongside scholarly notes or explanations. these annotations would typically clarify historical references, linguistic nuances, cultural context, and holbergs satirical intent, offering a deeper understanding of the original material.

5. how can i access or the book?

   as a classic work published in 1741, niels klims journey under the ground is in the public domain in many countries. this means that copies, including various translations and editions, can often be found available for from digital libraries and archives. searching for "niels klims journey under the ground" or "project gutenberg niels klim" may lead to available digital versions.