Jussi Adler-Olsen

Jussi Adler-Olsen

 Carl Valdemar Jussi Henry Adler-Olsen (born 2 August 1950) is a Danish author who, after following several different courses of study and engaging in various professions, embarked on his literary career with two books about Groucho Marx in 1984. His bestsellers include the thriller Alfabethuset (Alphabet House) (1997) and, most recently, Journal 64 (2010).

Born in Copenhagen, he was the youngest of four children and the only boy. Son of the successful sexologist Henry Olsen, he spent his childhood with his family in several mental hospitals across Denmark. In his late teens, he played in several pop groups as lead guitar. After graduating from the state school in Rødovre, he studied medicine, sociology and film making. In the late 1970s, he worked in various areas of publishing including cartoon-scripting, proof-reading and journalism.