Bernhard von Beskow

He held high appointments at court, and was, from 1834 onward, the perpetual secretary of the Swedish Academy— using his great influence with tact and generosity. He was an elected a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1836. He produced a series of plays based on Swedish history. His works allowed for his recognition as the most respectable exponent of romantic historical play which became popular among the Swedish audience. He has written several academical memoirs, volumes of poems, philosophy and a historical study entitled Om Gustav den tredje såsom Konung och Menniska (5 vols, 1860–1869, Gustavus III as king and man), printed in the transactions of the Swedish Academy (vols 32, 34, 37, 42, 44). According to the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, "his poetry is over-decorated, and his plays are grandiose historical poems in dramatic form”. Among his famous works are Erik XIV (2 parts, 1826); and four pieces collected (1836–1838) as Dramatiska Studier, the most famous of which is the tragedy of Torkel Knutsson." He became a member of Pro Fide et Christianismo, a Christian education society, in 1852. He died in Stockholm in 1868.

Bernhard von Beskow studied at Uppsala University. The recorded working language is Swedish. Positions recorded include valet de chambre and seat 12 of the Swedish Academy. Work by Bernhard von Beskow is recorded in the collections of Nationalmuseum. Distinctions recorded are Royal Order of the Seraphim.

• Born — 19 April 1796 • Died — 17 October 1868 • Occupation — Dramatist, historian • Birthplace — Stockholm, Sweden • Honorific Prefix — Baron • Place of death — Stockholm, Sweden

Recorded positions include valet de chambre, seat 12 of the Swedish Academy and Swedish Academy permanent secretary. He belonged to Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts, Swedish Academy, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities and Geatish Society.

Bernhard von Beskow is recorded as historian, poet, theatre manager, court official and jurist.