Knut Hamsun, the Nobel Prize-winning novelist, spent a short and unhappy time in America during the late nineteenth century and recorded his experiences in this analysis of the American cultural (especially literary) scene. Although first published in 1889 as Fra det Moderne Amerikas Aandsliv, it is available now for the first time in English translation. This notable work is one of the rare expressions we have of the cultural disillusion with America felt by many generations of literate European immigrants. A penetrating and searing analysis of nineteenth-century American culture, it is well written, full of subtle nuances in language and construction that were faithfully preserved in the translation.

Customer Review:
A cynical, savage, relentless attack on the culture, intellect and spirit of modern America, infused with Hamsun's wit. In short, a must read! Sure we are all proud Americans, but a look from the other side can be healthy now and then. Besides, Hamsun doesn't seem to me to be hateful, just honest about, and sometimes puzzled by, what he sees. He goes so far as to offer explanations for America's condition, recognizing the short time the country has existed as the reason for its low culture.

I found myself nearly on the floor from laughter every few pages as Hamsun critiques America's cultural icons, Whitman and Emerson. Accurately, in my opinion. His description of the behavior of the audience at the theater will stay with me forever.

As for the "...Modern..." part of the title, don't be fooled. Hamsun's descriptions of life in then USA are as accurate now as they were one hundred years ago. In fact, the most startling thing about this book is how little has changed since Hamsun's visits.

诺贝尔文学奖获得者克努特-哈姆森在19世纪末在美国度过了一段短暂而不愉快的时光，并在这本分析美国文化（尤其是文学）的书中记录了他的经历。虽然《Fra det Moderne Amerikas Aandsliv》于1889年首次出版，但现在首次有了英译本。这部杰出的作品是我们对许多代有文化的欧洲移民对美国的文化幻灭感的罕见表达之一。该书对19世纪的美国文化进行了深刻而尖锐的分析，写得很好，在语言和结构上充满了微妙的差别，这些差别在翻译中被忠实地保留下来。

客户评论。

对现代美国的文化、智力和精神进行了愤世嫉俗、野蛮、无情的攻击，注入了汉姆森的机智。简而言之，是一本必读书目 当然，我们都是自豪的美国人，但偶尔从另一面看一下也是健康的。此外，在我看来，汉姆森并不憎恨，只是对他所看到的东西感到诚实，有时感到困惑。他甚至为美国的状况提供了解释，承认这个国家存在的时间短，是其文化水平低的原因。

当汉姆森批评美国的文化偶像惠特曼和爱默生时，我发现自己每隔几页就笑得差点趴在地上。在我看来，这很准确。他对剧院观众行为的描述将永远留在我心中。

至于书名中的"......现代...... "部分，不要被愚弄。哈姆森对当时美国生活的描述现在和一百年前一样准确。事实上，这本书最令人吃惊的地方是，自汉姆森访问以来，几乎没有什么变化。