Georg Morris Cohen Brandes

Georg Morris Cohen Brandes (1842–1927) was a Danish critic and scholar of Jewish descent who profoundly influenced Scandinavian and European literature from the 1870s through the early 20th century. He spearheaded the 'Modern Breakthrough' with his 1871 lectures 'Main Currents in 19th-Century Literature,' advocating realism and naturalism against Romantic idealism. Despite opposition due to his atheism and radical views, he co-founded Politiken newspaper and mentored figures like Henrik Ibsen.