Work
Left-wing activism and anti-war protests
After finishing school and his military service, Stieg Larsson worked a couple of years at a post office. During these years in the mid-seventies, he was an active member of the Swedish left-wing movement which flourished during these years. He edited a Trotskyite magazine, and he took a great interest in the ongoing war in Vietnam.
Private mapping of extremists
1977, Stieg Larsson started working as a graphic designer at TT, a multimedia news provider in Sweden, a job he kept for the following 22 years. As the seventies passed, Stieg Larssons interest gradually turned more towards right-wing extremism, an interest which had started with a school project on the subject and then continued to inspire him for the rest of his life. When he was not at his work at TT, he worked on a private mapping of right-wing extremism in Sweden. In 1991, his research resulted in his first book Right-wing extremism (Extremhogern) which he wrote in cooperation with Anna-Lena Lodenius, a Swedish writer specialized in autonomous and national extremist groups. In an interview she says that he had plans on writing a series of detective novels already back in the early 1990s, but it would take another ten years for him to start writing fiction.
The Expo foundation
As a response to the book “Right-wing extremism”, a neo-Nazi newspaper published an article in 1993. In the article, both Larsson and Lodenius were presented with their pictures,
addresses and telephone numbers, and the finishing lines raised the question whether “he should be allowed to continue his work, or if something should be done”. The publisher of the newspaper was condemned to 4 months of imprisonment. However, this episode did not scare Stieg Larsson, instead it convinced him to step up his struggle. Stieg Larsson had since the early 80’s worked as a Scandinavian correspondent for the British anti-fascist magazine Searchlight, and in 1995 he was the main force behind the founding of the similar Swedish magazine Expo in 1995. For two years, he combined the two full time jobs before he finally quit TT in 1997 to put all his effort into Expo. From 1999 to his death, he was the chief editor of the magazine.
A classic workaholic
When you look at the combination of working at Expo with writing books on right-wing extremism, holding lectures for international politicians, police forces and numberless youths, writing his detective novels at night, smoking 60 or more hand-rolled cigarettes a day and skipping most meals, the picture of a classic workaholic appears. In an article in the Swedish newspaper Expressen, the journalist, co-worker and close friend of Stieg’s, Kurdo Baksi verifies this, “He used to come home at four-five in the morning. At that time had he also worked on his story about Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander. “It will be better next year”, he (Stieg) said brightly.
92 comments on “Work”
I just finished the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in English and I just can’t believe I have to wait for so long for the next 2 books in the series…..I’m tempted to learn Swedish just to read the next two books…..please accellerate the release of them for those of us with poor linguistic skills but who can’t wait to catch up on the characters
- Brendan,
I totally agree with Brenda, can’t believe it is to take so long to get the 2nd and 3rd books translated. Have just read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in 3 days and how on earth are we supposed to wait a year for the follow up. PLEASE HURRY UP THE TRANSLATION.
- Fiona,
The girl with the dragon Tattoo — was a terrific read — powerful – depressing and exciting. In his early death we loose a strong wonderful writer.
- Izabella Casselman,
I look forward to reading Mr Larsson’s books here in the USA. There are many many holds on a few copies of his Dragon book at the public library, so I have a wait. I love this genre and I think his stories must be very special, as per these comments. Thank you!
- J.E>B.,
This is my first Stieg Larsson novel. So far I have totally enjoyed the book, but I am very disturbed to have found out that he is deceased! I have tried to find out how that happened, but can not.
Why is that?
- Thundercat57@earthlink.net,
I love these books! For one thing, its such a satisfaction to read about the female character. Unrealistic or not, its a fantastic feeling to experience her power. She´s got an autism spectrum disorder, I think they mention in one of the books. An interesting thing I heard is that the idea too the books came from a mindgame. Stieg Larsson and his friends talked about what Pippi Longstocking would be lika as a grownup. The male characters name; Blomqvist, is also from a famous swedish childen book from the fifties. Kalle Blomquist was a boy who solved mysteries.
Another interesting but extremly unfair thing, is that Stiegs woman for 30 years, who also took part in the writing of these books, doesn´t get one penny from the millions and millions that the success the books generate. For safety reasons, Stieg and his woman, Eva, wasn´t married. Stieg wanted to protect her from the danger his fight againts extreme right-wing people caused. Of the same reason he also needed to have a safe adress to which he couldn´t be traces. As long as he and Eva wasn´t married he could stay in a home that was registrated in her name. Onfortunately, Stiegs father and brother, -who look exactly like Stieg-doesn´t at all seem related to him. When it comes to moral, intelligens, safistication, insight and heart Stieg and his relatives seems to come from two different universes. Obviously Stieg was separated from his family and grow up with his grandmother for a lot of years. The brother and father-who according to a documentary saw Stieg once a year at most if I remember right- takes all the money and refuses to give Eva anything. Not only did she loose the love of her life and her best friend, she was also robbed on millions and accused by Stiegs family to be mentally week when in fact she was in deep grief over Stiegs death. Stieg Larssons life and the things that has taken place after his death are could be made a film of as well.
Thank you Stieg for your books and your fight against racism and abuse!
Please excuse my bad english
Anna
- Anna Johansson,
Reacting to the comment of Mikaelk. I think you are referring to the scam of Lisbeth Salander where she manages to steal billions of kronor from Wennerström. Am I right? It was described at the end of book I that he read an article about the mysterious disappearance of the money in a newspaper and there was a photograph of a blond woman with nice breasts and chique clothes and jewels. Blomkwist took a magnifying glass to the photo, after some studying identified Salander and laughed. That was it.
I am so lucky to be Dutch, so I got to read the Dutch translations of the Millennium trilogy in one go. I think Stieg Larsson was a very gifted thriller writer and I feel deeply sorry that we are deprived of him so soon…..
- ilona4email@yahoo.com, the Netherlands,
could noput dpwn the girl with the dragon tattoo! How can I get the other books in Engl ish?
- Linda Bearison New York,
Just read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. What a gifted storyteller… Have not read such a gripping book since Monkeewrench by PJ Tracey. Waiting for the rest of the Trilogy.
So very unfortunate the Steig Larsson died at such an early age. The world loses a prolific writer. God bless his soul and hope the money generated from his books goes to causes dear to him.
- Vandana Rao Jaisingh, Singapore,
Estoy deseando que llegue el día 25 para poder leer la segunda novela de Stieg . Esa es la fecha en que sale publicada en España.
La primera es magnífica y por lo que he leido esta segunda no lo es menos. Ahora entiendo a aquellos niños y niñas que esperaban horas en la cola en el día de venta de cada entrega de Harry Potter.
Me siento igual ó más ilusionada ,si cabe, sabiendo que dentro de unos días voy a poder disfrutar de las nuevas aventuras y pensamientos de Michael y Lisbeth.
Y espero que la tercera entrega salga enseguida.Saber que esa es la última novela me pone triste porque pienso cuñanto nos habría hechio disfrutar con las otras 7 que pensaba escribir. Una verdadera lástima. Ojalá estuviera entre nosotros y siguiera proporcionándonos tanta emoción.
- magda garcía (tenerife, españa),
Took “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” from the library on Monday. Finished it Saturday morning. Salandar is one of the most fascinating, unforgettable characters I have ever encountered. I hope the outrage she (Steig Larsson) expresses about men’s violence towards women, proclaimed in an international best-selling novel, has a lasting impact on the millions of people it will reach. Larsson’s analysis of the games played by the big players in the stock market also could not be more timely. I can only imagine what an impact he might have had if he had lived to write for another 20 or 30 years. With his far too early death, the world lost an important voice and conscience. I will be looking for english translations of his earlier writings. If they don’t now exist, I hope they soon will.
- Nelson Howard, Illinois, USA,
Thank you for linking to Expo; I suspect it will be a pleasure to further explore S. Larsson’s anti-rascism campaign just like it was to read tgwtdts.
David Neiwert is a similar American journalist to whom Stieg Larsson readers might take an interest.
- DPdx,
Just read the first seventy-five pages of the first book. Totally hooked.
How all you who have finished them all must envy me!
- Laurence, London, England.,
Just finished the first book read most of it in one day as I couldn’t put it down. It’s the best book I have read for a long time, totally gripping brilliant how it is all brought together, the characters are brilliant.
I am now desperately trying to get the next one. Could kick myself as I picked this one up at a book shop in Melbourne Airport and thought I wouldn’t get the next one then as unsure about wanting to all of them.
- Kathy Bunyan Gisborne,New Zealand,
What happened to him?
Just finished book 1, so sorry that this unique voice is no longer in the world. am now very interested in his life…..is there a biography?
- Reader Girl,
where i can find the book “Man who hates women” ? am not able to find it…my e-mail is ahmadyassine@gmail.com
just finished the series. the best Ive ever read. its saddens me greatly that he died so young. We will never know what esle may have happened to such wonderful charactors.
- ,
I have just read the first book of the millenium series, started yesterday, finished today. Couldn’t put it down. Keen to get number 2 asap.
- Clea,
Hugely enjoyable books with the most original female character in detective fiction. Lisbeth Salander is awesome.
- Amanda Brown, Sydney Australia,
I throughly enjoyed the 3 books and would have looked forward to reading more of Stieg’s works should he have lived. May I ask what was the cause of his death?
- David Moore Moffat Beach Australia,
What else did Stieg write apart from “The Girl” Books , I tremendously enjoyed his writing style and would like to read more of his work (in English)
- Andre Hattingh,
Cannot put his novels down once I start. Waiting for the third. Too bad there will be no more.
- ,
i have just finished all three books. i have published 1 small book and know how hard it is to get the story onto paper. so his epic work should be honoured and admired by all.
please let there be a forth. Go EVA! Do it for Steig and Lisbeth
- paul gordon, sydney,
I have just finished all three books.
Go EVA! Do it for Steig and Lisbeth ! !! !!!
- CarAmba from Poland,
These are the most fantastic books. Steig was absolutely brilliant! I couldn’t wait until May, so I got the 3rd book from England. I certainly hope that there is a 4th book, and that Eva will complete it and get the financial rewards. Legal issues always present problems, no matter what country you live in. In addition, the translator, Reg Keeland, has done a terrific job…since I can’t read Swedish, I can’t imagine these books any better than they are! I couldn’t put these books down!
- Karen Adler, New Jersey, USA,
What a thoroughly decent, moral and ethical person Steig cpmes across as in his brillaintly written books. I hope journalists everywhere read these books and follow Mikael’s example.
- J Borton Australia,
Without doubt they, the Millenium Triology, are amongst the best books I have the pleasure to read.
They are the equal of “The Wallander Series’ by Henning Mankell
- Ross Australia,
Lisbeth Salander, Stieg Larsson’s heroine, is a truly remarkable character. The novels are worthy of their worldwide acclaim. Mr Larsson is capable of weaving exciting narrative, even when he has not yet immersed us in the fast pace, breathtaking action, which is sure to follow. Very seldom are novels such a sure promise for immense enjoyment. I say read them all!!
- Alfonso Ruiz-Fernandez,
just a thought, maybe the books aren’t fiction. maybe there was no other way to present the material. it all looks like a puzzle within a puzzle – make a list, look for yourself. Stieg Larsson was a man of many talents – these books betray only the tip of his iceberg of skills. he is missed.
- fixedgeargirl@aol.com,
Here’s to all who fight against right-wing violent extremists. May they live forever in some form. Helping to remove that burden from victim and perpetrator, and writing great crime novels, is quite a resume. He is missed.
- Kara Kern,
A fascinating, commendable life! It’s interesting how his imagination produced Lisbeth Salander’s cryptic morality, as an antidote to what he witnessed and researched in his times. His novels far exceed my expectations and I found myself reflecting in my blog on how I strangely identify with Salander’s journey….
- Ex Lit Prof (www.the-reading-list.com),
probably one of the most engaging writers ive come across in years . have two out of the trilogy finished . and im sure third time will be the charm
- Dave . R. Battersy,
Millennium Trilogy – Simply fantastic ! Stieg, come again, the world needs you.
- Marco,
From your lips to God’s ears…or whatever there is out there.
- MillenniumObsessed,
I am a 64 year old man, fairly well educated and a voracious reader. In all my years I have rarely been so enthralled with the writing of one particular author. My favorites have been Truman Capote for “In Cold Blood” the first book that kept me up all night and missing classes in college. I could not put that down. “The Source” by James Michener, “Trinity” and others by Leon Uris, “Gone With the Wind”, “To Kill a Mockingbird” and only a few others did that. I first saw the Swedish movie of “…Dragon Tattoo.” Next the sequel, “…Played With Fire” and then while traveling in Europe, I bought “—Hornet’s Nest” which I read in 2 days. I bought the trilogy in hard back and just finished “Dragon Tattoo” in record time adoring the style, depth of character, enormity of the plotline and more. I have just begun reading “…Played with Fire” and cannot wait for the American version of the first book and whatever version of the last. I LOVE this guy’s writing. What a loss to the world of an outstanding story teller.
- Bruce W. Adams,
I have just discovered Stieg Larson and read all 3 books twice within 10 days. The first reading gave me the storylines and I needed to get over the shocks constantly introduced throughout. The second reading allowed me to REALLY read the books. I have read all the books you stated above (I am a few years younger than you) and I think these 3 books will stand out alongside many of the great classics – even though they are “just” crime novels. It holds its own against the great revenge novel – Dumas’s “The Count of Monte Cristo”. The tragedy for me (and I am sure for Larson and his other fans) is – THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER BOOK!! I cannot go to the bookshop in hope of seeing another release on the shelf. Furthermore – if Larson was even a fraction of the Blomkwist character I would definitely be in love with him.
- DB Marquis (South Africa),
Things that stand out about Stieg Larsson:
1. He could really stick with things. His love with his lifelong companion, his expertise with anti-Nazism, his dedication to writing–all began in his youth and continued unabated for his entire life.
2. The man was a tireless worker.
3. He was a truly good human being.
4. His ceaseless work did and did not reward him in his own lifetime–but his legacy is truly a worldwide gift to everyone else.
Rest in peace, Mr. Larsson. You are missed
- D C W,
Stieg Larsson, how much I regret that such an outstanding author had still so much tp write and give to this world. Thank you for writing about women and about so much that the world has often ignored.
- ,
He died here at the Expo office by a heart
-attack.
- Kristina,
Agreed. In the Larsson trilagy, the female charactors’ insights continually drive the narrative. He was a true feminist.
- Marci Morrison,
how did he die?
- ecaruso@google.com,
he had very poor health and he died of a major heart attack while constantly climbing up the stairs at work because the elevator there was broken.
- Auden,
Agreed What else did Larsson write
- Jenny Eykamp,
Since he smoked 60 hand rolled cigarettes a day and rarely ate, have to assume he died of lung cancer.
- Robbie,
STEIG WAS A FANTASTIIC WRITER WITH AN EQUAL IMAGINATION. EVA SHOULD GET FULL ROYALTIES AND FULL LITERARY RIGHTS FOR HIS NAME. HIS FATHER AND BROTHER SHOULD NEVER RECEIVE A PENNY FROM HIS GREAT NOVELS PEROID.
- JIM COLLINS/NASSAU COUNTY,
I agree.
- W,
chicken is pretty cool…..
- Jessica May/USA.,
I have just finished reading Stieg Larsson’s trilogy. It is so refreshing to read a thriller that takes a feminist/socialist point of view. In the UK, you see/read so many one dimensional images of men and women in the right wing media, it’s nice to read/see something that can challenge that perspective.
- Margaret Oldfield/UK ,
wait did he ever live in the us? or just in sweden the whole time…?
- Auden,
Only in Sweden. His books were translated.
- Em,
I wish he could have seen his books published and the impact they’ve had on so many people.
- Katrina,
I agree.
- Glauce,
Did Steig Larsson have material for 10 to 15 more books? Please let me know.Thank you. e-mail: vally828@sbcglobal.net
- Valerie Stelmachowski,
he only had enough for 10 books but he was looking to write 10 of them with lisbeth and mikeal in them
- jds,
Loved all three books
- kweltch,
I came across the trilogy by chance and I became interested in its author, whose commitment is the honor of his country.''Nul n'est prophète dans son pays'' Nobody is a prophet in his own country