Born in Stockholm and the son of a merchant, his vocation for literature was assisted by his tutor, the poet Johan Magnus Stjernstolpe (1777–1831), whose works he edited.

He held high appointments at court, and was, from 1834 onward, the perpetual secretary of the Swedish Academy— using his great influence with tact and generosity.

[3] His works allowed for his recognition as the most respectable exponent of romantic historical play which became popular among the Swedish audience.

[4] He has written several academical memoirs, volumes of poems, philosophy and a historical study entitled Om Gustav den tredje såsom Konung och Menniska (5 vols, 1860–1869, Gustavus III as king and man), printed in the transactions of the Swedish Academy (vols 32, 34, 37, 42, 44).

[1] According to the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, "his poetry is over-decorated, and his plays are grandiose historical poems in dramatic form”.