Transnational Feminism in Nineteenth-Century Swedish Literature and Periodical Culture

Book excerpt: Fredrika Bremer (1801–1865) reached out to the world beyond her native Sweden. Her promotion of women’s emancipation was celebrated and pursued by Sophie Adlersparre (1823–1895), Rosalie Olivecrona (1823–1898), and Alma Åkermark (1853–1933). From dreams to projects involving collaboration with Britain, France, and Germany, in translation, literature, and periodical editing, this book unearths exciting transnational connections that contributed to the awakening of the Nordic feminist movement. Shedding light on the circulation of liberal ideas, Marxist theory, and the Nordic debate, the three chapters of the book focus on cultural variation, constructive conflicts, mutual (mis)understandings, and class issues.