August Strindberg

August Strindberg (1849-1912) is considered the first modern Swedish author, having written more than 60 plays and 30 books on various subjects during a turbulent and wildly prolific career. Relentlessly experimental, he wrote plays in many different veins from realistic drama to surrealism and expressionism, many of which used vernacular speech at a time when Swedish critics and audiences preferred drama written in verse. A controversial figure in Swedish public life, he was plagued by financial difficulties, alcoholism, and mental disorders throughout his life. His work was highly influential on generations of future playwrights such as Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams.