By revolting against the introspection of Danish turn-of-the-century literature and the psychological and social naturalism of the nineteenth century, Johannes V. Jensen became one of the most prolific innovative spirits in Danish cultural life. His worship of modern science and technology, the bustling life in the international metropolis, and pragmatic materialism and capitalism made him instrumental in the reorientation of Danish literature away from continental, French and German models toward Anglo-American cultural life. His enthusiasm for American literature resulted in the introduction and promotion in Denmark of the works of many American writers.

Charles Darwin's theories were an important source of inspiration for Jensen's depictions of nature scenes and animals but had a disastrous impact on his questionable evolutionary and anthropological theories. Despite his scientific and anti-idealistic orientation, Jensen was never able to let go of his deep-rooted dependence on his childhood's Jutland peasant traditions and an equally...