THORSTEINSSON, Steingrímur Bjarnason. Arnarstapa, Snæfellsnesi 19.5.1831 — Reykjavik 21.8.1913. Icelandic Poet, Schoolman and Philologist. Matriculated from Reykjavik Latin School in 1851, then studied at Copenhagen University. Completed his studies in 1863, but remained in Copenhagen until 1872. From 1872 teacher at Reykjavik Latin School, from 1895 senior teacher and from 1905 Rector. He was an esteemed romantic poet and translator, but it remains unclear, whether he himself knew any Sanskrit as his translations were from German versions.

Publications: Three Indian translations: Sawitri: fornindversk saga. 39 p. Reykjavik 1878, 2nd ed. 63 p. 1926; Sakuntala. Reykjavik 1879; Nal og Damajanti: fornindversk saga. 92 p. Reykjavik 1895.

– Romantic lyrics, numerous translations in Icelandic, e.g. Byron, Goethe, H. C. Andersen, Tegnér, Arabian Nights.

Sources: Harald Níelsson, Merkir íslendingar. 3, 1949, 301-315, with photo; *J.C. Poestion, St.Th.: ein isländischer Dichter und Kulturbringer. Munich 1912; briefly in Wikipedia, with photo (more in Icelandic version).