Knut Hamsun, born on August 4, 1859, in Lom, Norway, was a celebrated author whose works explored the complexities of human psychology and the struggles of modern life. His full name is Knut Pedersen Hamsun. Hamsun's literary career spanned several decades, and he became one of the most influential figures in 20th-century literature. He passed away on February 19, 1952, in Nørholm, Norway.

Hamsun's early life was marked by hardship. His family moved frequently during his childhood, which contributed to a sense of instability. He grew up in a rural environment, which profoundly influenced his later writing. Hamsun's formal education was limited, and he worked various jobs, including as a farmer and a journalist, before fully dedicating himself to writing.

His literary career took off with the publication of "Hunger" in 1890, a novel that vividly captured the psychological and existential struggles of a young writer in a bustling city. This work established Hamsun as a pioneer of modernist literature, characterized by its deep psychological insight and exploration of the human condition. Other notable works include "Growth of the Soil," which won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1920, and "Hunger," which remains a seminal text in existential literature.

Hamsun's personal life was as complex as his literary themes. He was married twice and had several children. He lived through tumultuous times, including both World Wars, and his controversial political views, particularly his support for Nazi Germany during World War II, have cast a long shadow over his legacy. Despite these controversies, Hamsun's profound impact on literature continues to be felt, with scholars and readers alike engaging with his exploration of the human psyche and the existential dilemmas of modern existence.