Karlis Skalbe is recognized as the master storyteller among Latvian writers, in a league with such authors as Hans Christian Andersen, Oscar Wilde, and the Brothers Grimm. He also wrote volumes of poetry that are loved for their lyricism, romanticism, and patriotism. His wife, Lizete, who translated many of Skalbe's works into Swedish, wrote in the fifth volume of his Raksti (Works, 1952-1955): "All that touched him deeply the writer has expressed in his works. Reality for him had been too painful; he created a fairy tale world, where humility, friendship and beauty rule, where he feels like a brother with all living creation."

Skalbe's writings are unique in Latvian literature not only for their lyricism but also for their brevity and clarity. In his poems, essays, stories, and tales Skalbe catches and illuminates a moment of truth without belaboring it. A busy and active man, he would...