Sven B.F. Jansson

Sven Birger Fredrik Jansson (1906-1987) was a foreign lecturer 1933–39 at universities such as Reykjavik, antiquarian at the Swedish National Heritage Board (1947–55), professor of Runology at Stockholm University (1955–66) and National Antiquarian (1966-72).

[1] His Ph.D. discussed the Old Icelandic Vinland sagas.

He was also the editor of several tomes in Sveriges runinskrifter, in which many interpretations are based on his work.

[1] Through radio shows and personal connections at field surveys, Jansson was to be widely known.

He was a colourful speaker, and his sense of humour and his enthusiasm for the topic was important in creating a wider interest in the public for runes and Scandinavian pre-history.