Axel Munthe was a Swedish doctor and writer, born on October 31, 1857, and died on February 11, 1949. He is known for his autobiographical book "The Story of San Michele," which narrates his life and experiences while building his house, Villa San Michele, on the island of Capri. This book, which was an international bestseller, is popular for its rich description of life on Capri and Munthe's philosophical and personal reflections.
The writer, born in Oskarshamn, Sweden, studied medicine at Uppsala University and in Paris, specializing in neurology. Initially, he was highly interested in psychiatry, but his career took a different direction when he moved to Capri in 1887.
Here, Munthe purchased land with the ruins of a chapel dedicated to San Michele and designed and built Villa San Michele and its magnificent gardens, drawing inspiration from mythology, history, and art.
The Swedish doctor was known for his dedication to the poor; throughout his life, he practiced medicine mainly to help the less fortunate, often without seeking payment. He was also a fervent advocate for animals and fought for their rights.
His book "The Story of San Michele" was first published in 1929 and became a global success. In it, Munthe describes not only the construction of his house in Capri but also numerous anecdotes from his life, his meditations on life and death, and his encounters with figures of the time such as Louis Pasteur and Guy de Maupassant.
Villa San Michele today is a museum and botanical garden that attracts visitors from around the world, preserving Munthe's legacy. His life and work have left an indelible mark on literature and culture, and "The Story of San Michele" remains a testament to his eclectic and humanistic spirit.
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