Af mit Levned is the autobiography of archaeologist Johan Louis Ussing, presented here in its original Danish.
The book chronicles the life of its narrator. It also acts as a historical record of archaeology in that it alludes to many of the discoveries and progresses of the practices throughout the 19th century. The author's secondary pursuit of philology - the study of ancient languages - is also given much detail.
Each chapter is divided into the chronological period it covers, beginning with Ussing's upbringing in a traditional and religious environment of Copenhagen. We witness his progress through university and the recognition by peers of his gifts, and his advancement into field assignments and acquisition of academic authority. The accounts are written with the precise and characteristic honesty for which the author was known, providing exact dates and records of conversation.
A fascinating account of early archaeological advances, as well as the intellectual society of Denmark during the 19th century, Af mit Levned remains a worthy read for specialist consultation.
