for a long time the main source of Swedish history throughout Europe. An equally conscientious investigator, and at the same time the master of an excellent style, was Anders af Botin (1724-90), who, in his "Utkast till svenska folkets historia," which was not completed, also paid considerable attention to Sweden's internal history. Olof Celsius (1716-94), a relative of the great scientist, Celsius, wrote in a noble and attractive style a history of Gustav I and Erich XIV, and also the beginning of an ecclesiastical history. Anders Johan von Höpken (1712-89) was called "the Swedish Tacitus," on account of his condensed, pithy style. Among his best works are a few memoirs, particularly one that was written in commemoration of Karl Gustav Tessin (1695-1770), a man who rendered great services to the arts and sciences. Tessin, to whom Sweden is largely indebted for her many excellent collections of art, was himself an eminent writer, and produced many works of note. As tutor to Prince Gustav (subsequently Gustav III), he wrote his celebrated "En gammal mans bref till en ung Prins"[1] (Letters from an old man to a young prince).[2]
The Swedish language was made the subject of a thorough and scientific treatment, and to the excellent linguists of this period belongs the credit that the French influence, which was so powerful both in art and literature, was unable to affect the language. The Swedish tongue continued to progress in purity and beauty. The greatest of these linguists, Johan Ihre (1707-80), published a number of works on Swedish, Old Norse, Mæso-Gothic, etc., and an excellent "Glossarium Sviogothicum," which still retains its value undiminished. Sven Hof (1703-86) made a scientific study of the Swedish dialects. The above-named Botin wrote a celebrated essay on "Svenska Språket i tal och skrift;" and
- ↑ The translator of this book (R. B. A.) possesses a manuscript copy of "En gammal mans bref till en ung Prins" in Tessin's own handwriting.
- ↑ Sven Lagerbring: Svea Rikes Historia, I-IV, 1769-83. Anders af Botin: Utkast till svenska folkets historia. I-IV, 1757-64. Olof Celsius: Gustav I, Historia, I-II, 1746-53. Konung Erich XIV, Historia, 1774.
