Axel Munthe

Axel Martin Fredrik Munthe (31 October 1857 - 11 February 1949) was a Swedish-born physician, psychiatrist, and author, best known for his autobiographical work The Story of San Michele. Born in Sweden, Munthe showed a passion for medicine from an early age and went on to study in Sweden and Paris. He spoke several languages fluently, including Swedish, English, French, and Italian, and later established his first medical practice in France. Munthe gained international fame not only for his...See more

Axel Martin Fredrik Munthe (31 October 1857 - 11 February 1949) was a Swedish-born physician, psychiatrist, and author, best known for his autobiographical work The Story of San Michele. Born in Sweden, Munthe showed a passion for medicine from an early age and went on to study in Sweden and Paris. He spoke several languages fluently, including Swedish, English, French, and Italian, and later established his first medical practice in France. Munthe gained international fame not only for his contributions to medicine but also for his philosophical insights and reflections on life, which he skillfully incorporated into his writing. His work, The Story of San Michele, reflects his deep understanding of the human condition, shaped by his experiences as a physician and psychiatrist. Munthe's life was marked by a combination of scientific rigor and artistic sensitivity, and his legacy as a writer continues to influence readers seeking thoughtful exploration of life's complexities. He lived much of his later life in Italy, where he became known for his work at the San Michele sanatorium. See less