Karl Ristikivi

Karl Ristikivi (16 October [O.S. 3 October] 1912 – 19 July 1977) was an Estonian writer. He is known as one of the best Estonian writers for his historical novels.

Ristikivi was one of the first Estonian writers to create a comprehensive panorama of his country's urbanization. Once in Swedish exile, he also wrote the first Estonian surrealist novel, a work that is strongly influenced by existentialist philosophy. He orchestrated an impressive cycle of seventeen novels plus other books into a polyphonic unity with a time scale that embraces European history over two millennia. His invention and use of a complicated system of myths and symbols could be compared to the approach of the school of semiotic writers. Humanism, Christian religion, and traditional ethics are considered the chief legacy of his works.