New Biography of Christian Michelsen Launched
Two days before the centenary of Christian Michelsen’s death, a new biography of the influential Norwegian statesman and founder of CMI was officially launched the 27th June 2025.
The event marked the release of «Michelsen – en ung mann søker sin fremtid», the first volume in a comprehensive biography by historian Atle Thowsen, published by Bodoni Forlag.
The launch was held in the historic surroundings of Gamlehaugen, Michelsen’s former residence in Bergen, and featured presentations by local historian and editor Jo Gjerstad, as well as Lars Petter Sjøberg, Director of Administration and Finance at the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), as CMI has been contributing to the funding and realisation of the biography. Sjøberg highlighted the significance of the biography for the institute, which was founded in 1930 through Michelsen’s testamentary gift.
“On behalf of CMI, I would first and foremost like to thank Atle Thowsen for seeing this project through. Let us not forget that Leonardo da Vinci spent 16 years completing the Mona Lisa, some works are simply worth the wait. We are also grateful to the book committee and its members over the years, as well as to Bodoni Forlag and the other sponsors who made this publication possible,” said Sjøberg.
Christian Michelsen’s legacy is not only political but also intellectual and philanthropic. This biography sheds new light on the man whose vision laid the foundation for CMI’s mission to address global challenges by providing research-based knowledge and promoting tolerance and mutual understanding between nations and peoples.
The biography explores Michelsen’s formative years in Bergen, his early legal and business career, and the roots of his political ambitions.
A second volume, focusing on his national political role and legacy, is forthcoming.