Chapter 1 Geo Widengren: A Portrait of a Swedish Historian of Religions
In: The Legacy, Life and Work of Geo Widengren and the Study of the History of Religions after World War IIPurchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Abstract
This chapter presents a general introduction and background to Widengren’s intellectual life. The focus is on Widengren’s formative years as a young student at Stockholm University College (in Swedish, Stockholms Högskola), but the chapter also cover some of the intellectual and academic milieus that Widengren belonged to during his long career. While his academic life is the focus here, Widengren’s interest in the military, his horse-riding and his engagement in Swedish public debates will also be discussed. This introductory chapter will make it easier for the reader to comprehend the remaining chapters of this edited volume and to place Widengren in his proper intellectual context.