author
Conrad Malte-Brun
1775–1826
Forced out of Denmark for his political writing, he rebuilt his life in Paris and became one of the best-known geographers of his day. His books helped make geography feel vivid and readable, and he is often remembered for popularizing the name "Oceania."
1 Audiobook
Pattie's Personal Narrative, 1824-1830; Willard's Inland Trade with New Mexico, 1825, and Downfall of the Fredonian Republic; and Malte-Brun's Account of Mexico
by James O. (James Ohio) Pattie, Conrad Malte-Brun, Dr. Willard
About the author
Born Malthe Conrad Bruun in Thisted, Denmark, on August 12, 1775, he later became known as Conrad Malte-Brun. Early in life he drew attention for his poetry and political pamphlets, but his support for revolutionary ideas led to exile from Denmark around 1799–1800.
He settled in Paris, where he worked as a journalist and geographic writer and built a major second career. Writing in French, he helped shape geography as a modern field through large reference works and collaborations, and he was also involved in founding one of the first modern geographic societies.
Malte-Brun died in Paris on December 14, 1826. He is still remembered as a Dano-French geographer whose lively, descriptive style brought faraway places closer to readers.