Alexander Lange Kielland (18 February 1849 - 6 April 1906) was one of the most famous Norwegian realistic writers of the 19th century. He is one of the so-called ＂The Four Greats＂ of Norwegian literature, along with Henrik Ibsen, Bj rnstjerne Bj rnson and Jonas Lie. Despite being born wealthy, he had a sincere affection for the less fortunate, treating his workers well when he was a factory owner. He remained a spokesman for the weak and a critic of society throughout his time as a writer. His best known plays were the satirical comedies Tre Par (1886) and Professoren (1888). He was also well known for his short stories. Among his most famous works are the novels Gift (1883), Skipper Worse (1882) and Garman and Worse (1880).