The history of Edinburgh proves that this city is rightly called the cradle of talents. The large number of gifted people, who were directly related to urban planning and further development of the city, is impressive. All these individuals were very different, but it didn’t prevent them from working for the good of Edinburgh and doing everything to improve life there. Learn more at edinburghski.
Of course, if we talk about the existence of a particular city, we will have to touch on a much wider range of topics than local self-government or the economy. Culture also plays an important role because it is responsible for the spiritual development of the population, as well as the moral values of society.
Edinburgh is quite lucky in this sense. After all, it can boast of a huge number of people who realised themselves in the cultural sphere. Moreover, they achieved considerable success, which allowed them to glorify their home city.
Magnus Magnusson is one of them. His incredibly multifaceted career made him a popular and highly respected person. Interestingly, he was born in another city but managed to achieve success and fame precisely in Edinburgh.
Early years
The future journalist, writer, TV presenter and translator was born in Reykjavík on October 12, 1929.
However, at an early age, Magnus with his family moved to Scotland, with which he later connected his entire conscious life.
Magnus’s family settled in Portobello, an eastern suburb of Edinburgh.
Magnus was educated at the Edinburgh Academy. The boy was so versatile that he could successfully combine studies with participation in the school brass band.
After finishing school, young Magnus became a student at Jesus College. This college is a constituent part of the legendary University of Oxford.
Work as an editor
When the educational path was left behind, it was time for Magnus to decide on his future activities. Then the young man decided to try working in print publications. This is how he began his career as a reporter for such reputable newspapers as the Scottish Daily Express and The Scotsman.
In addition, from 1962 to 1964, he edited the New Saltire magazine of the Saltire Society.
New stage
It seemed that everything was going well. Magnus managed to find himself and fully realise his potential. However, he felt that it was far from the bottom of his capabilities. It explains the fact that Magnusson ended his editorial career in 1967 and went into the low profile life for some time.
But the versatility of the man’s talent didn’t allow him to sit still for a long time, so he began cooperating with the BBC very soon.
Thus, Magnus made his on-screen debut in 1968. Then he became a narrator and introduced the young audience to the English translations of Stories from Iceland in the children’s program Jackanory.
Subsequently, Magnusson managed to reach a new level and became the presenter of historical and archaeological programmes, such as Chronicle.
Legendary quiz
1972 turned out to be a truly special year in Magnus’s TV career. Then he became the host of the Mastermind TV quiz show.
It should be said that this program is a very specific TV product. The creator of the show, Bill Wright, was interrogated by the Gestapo during the Second World War. Thus, the concept of interrogations and a frightening atmosphere became the basis for the creation of the programme.
In addition, the quiz is characterised by rather complex questions that require the maximum erudition from the participants.
Returning to Magnus, it is worth noting that he managed to bring something special to the programme as a presenter. It is about his famous phrase “I’ve started, so I’ll finish“. It was said when a contestant was asked a question just as the time ran out.
It should be noted that Magnus remained the host of the Mastermind quiz for quite a long time. In particular, he “interrogated” contestants and used his famous phrase for 25 years (until 1997).
Other projects
Of course, Magnusson’s TV activities weren’t limited to quizzes. He also made occasional appearances on various popular shows.
In particular, viewers could see Magnus in Dizzy Heights and The Goodies.
Talented translator
Magnus’s biography proves that his talent is rightly considered multifaceted. After all, in addition to television and editorial activities, he successfully realised himself as a translator and co-authored many books.
Moreover, Magnus worked with literary pieces written in Icelandic and Old Norse. He translated them into English.
Thus, Magnus managed to translate the works of Halldór Laxness, a famous Icelandic writer, poet and playwright.
He also translated Scandinavian sagas, including Njal’s Saga, The Vinland Sagas, King Harald’s Saga and Laxdæla Saga, in tandem with Hermann Palsson.
Unfortunately, life works in such a way that no matter how successful and respectable a person is, it can’t insure them against personal misfortunes.
Magnus wasn’t an exception. In a terrible irony, Magnus found out that he had pancreatic cancer on his 77th birthday. Of course, it was a real shock. However, the presenter took that news like a real man, joking that this birthday was the worst in his life.
Still, later, the disease began to remind of itself more and more often and Magnus was forced to cancel his public appearances.
The earthly journey of the famous presenter, journalist and translator ended on January 7, 2007. However, the talent and versatility of this man forever remain in the memory of TV viewers, as well as those who appreciated his skill in translating difficult works.