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Herman Bang, Danish writer, 1857-1912

Herman Joachim Bang (20 April 1857 to 29 January 1912) was a Danish writer and journalist. He was born in Asserballe on Als in the former duchy of Schleswig, and died in Ogden City, Utah, the United States during a lecture tour. Herman Bang is especially known for his impressionistic penmanship.

His debut novel in 1880, the book Haabløse, caused furore, since the book outlined how a mature woman, countess Hatzfeldt, seduces the young protagonist William Høg. Proceedings were brought against Bang, and on 23 July 1881 the judgement decreed a 100-krone fine or 14 days' imprisonment if the fine could not be paid. The book was seized.

Some years after, Bang wanted to publish a revised edition of his book without what, for the times, were considered offensive scenes. He went to the Royal Library to borrow a copy of the book, since he did not even own one. In the library he learned that even though the book "probably existed de facto, it did not exist in law," and he was denied permission to borrow the book. After some debate, however, Bang was granted restricted access to the book in the reading room, but for no more than one hour at a time.

Herman Bang's journalism was interesting in itself - and also an essential condition for his literary works. In the spring of 2007 all the articles Bang had written in Nationaltidende from 1879-1884 were reprinted.

In 1906 Bang was the victim of an organized campaign by parts of the Danish press against gay men. The attacks on Herman Bang - in which, inter alia, a John V. Jensen took part - are among the most hateful in Danish press history.

Herman Bang lived 1863-1872 in Horsens, Denmark, where a plaque is posted in his memory at Søndergade 41.

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