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HOWARD V. HONG (B. 1912) FOR FORTY YEARS, until his retirement in 1978, was a professor of philosophy at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Olaf College in 1934 and received a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1938. That same year he went to Denmark for the first time in order to studv Soren Kierkegaard. Together with his wife, author Edna H. Hong, he has edited and translated Kierkegaard's Journals and Papers I-VH (1967-78). In 1968 the couple received the National Book Award for Translation for volume I. Howard V. Hong is general editor of the monumental twenty-six volume Kierkegaard's Writings, which is being published by Princeton University Press. Their highlv extolled translations are distinguished by a conscious attempt to convey Kierkegaard's special language and stvle in English. The couple has dso established a unique center for Kierkegaard research at St. Olaf College: The Howard and Edna Hong Kierkegaard Libran' with its associated Study and Publication Center. In 1978 they were named Knights of Dannebrog. On several occasions, they have both worked at the Royal Library and the Soren Kierkegaard Libran' at the University of Copenhagen. Upon the recommendation of its theological faculty, an honoran doctorate was bestowed upon Howard V Hong in 1992 for his lifelong dedication to spreading knowledge of Soren Kierkegaard's passionate thought in the English-speaking world. Besides their largescale and lifelong translation project, which has provided a new and solid foundation for all further Kierkegaard research in English, tiiey have been fully engaged in teaching and literary activity. Here their creation of a positive, secure, and stimulating home that enriched the lives of their children, the rest of their family, and friends must not least of all be mentioned. In life and vocation, they have been an "up building" example. Thev have not only written but in truth lived "a completely human life," and accomplished their life's work or destiny in the most beautiful way. "Puritv of heart is to will one thing."
BEB: Your interest in Kierkegaard began very early in life. How did it start?
HH : Well, it started simply with the reading of Ibsen's Peer Gynt and Brand. I still think they are great plays, and I've reread them many times....