Luther College receives rare collection of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen first editions

Thanks to a 1931 Luther College alumnus’ passion for collecting books, the college’s Preus Library now has an almost complete set of Henrik Ibsen first editions in its special collections.

(pictured from left to right) Severt Kvamme and his wife Mary Kvamme stand next to Andi Beckendorf, professor of library, inside the rare book room at Luther’s Preus Library.

Mary Kvamme, daughter of Ernest Marvin Espelie ’31, recently donated a collection of 22 Ibsen first editions during a private event in the library’s rare book room. Norway’s foremost author, Ibsen wrote 25 plays during his lifetime.

“Luther College is only three books short of a complete collection of first edition Henrik Ibsen plays, which is quite remarkable,” said Andi Beckendorf, professor of library.

Born in Norway in 1828, Ibsen is often referred to as “the father of realism.” His plays shocked 19th-century audiences by questioning social mores and featuring assertive female characters. More than a century after his death, Ibsen’s plays continue to resonate with audiences all over the world. His works have been translated into every major language. He is the world’s most-produced playwright after William Shakespeare.

Luther currently offers an upper-level course that explores Ibsen’s development as a dramatist, the impact of his works during his time and the continued resonance of his writing in today’s society.

“To have these first edition resources distinguishes Luther and our library collection,” said Maren Johnson, associate professor of Nordic Studies and director of Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies. “These editions will be invaluable resources to support teaching and learning.”

This donation is one of several donations by the Espelie family to Preus Library, and the second major Espelie collection to be housed in special collections.

Luther College’s special collections at Preus Library is only three books short of a complete collection of first edition Henrik Ibsen plays. Born in Norway in 1828, Ibsen is often referred to as “the father of realism.”

Reflecting his particular interest in children’s books, previous donations have included autographed, first edition Caldecott and Newbery award-winning children’s books along with Espelie’s correspondence with the authors. Some of his other gifts reflected his interest in his Norwegian heritage. He and his wife, Mary Belle Espelie, also donated two books about birds in honor of Luther’s former head librarian, Oivind Hovde, an ornithology enthusiast.

“My father loved books and he loved collecting them. He loved this school,” Kvamme said.

Espelie was born in 1908 in Stoughton, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, he came to Luther College and majored in English and history. At Luther, Espelie was involved with track and field events. He was student body secretary and president of his class. In addition, he was a member of the Koren Library student library staff, re-cataloging books and pamphlets and assisting at the reference desk. Espelie received his bachelor’s degree in 1931.

In 1958, Espelie became a librarian at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He stayed at Augustana until his retirement as professor emeritus and head librarian in 1974. Mary Belle Espelie was the special collections librarian. Today, the special collections reading room at Augustana’s Tredway Library is named in honor of the couple.

Espelie received several awards during his life. He was given Luther’s Alumni Distinguished Service Award in 1963 and made a Knight of the Royal Order of Vasa by the King of Sweden in 1975. Espelie also served as a board member of Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School in Decorah. He belonged to numerous cultural and professional associations including the Trollheim Lodge of the Sons of Norway and the American Scandinavian Foundation.

Espelie died Aug. 6, 1994, in Aurora, Colorado. He and his wife had three children: Dr. M. Solveig Espelie (who graduated from Luther College in 1962); Mary Kvamme; and Dr. Karl Espelie.

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