Erik Axel Karlfeldt

Erik Axel Karlfeldt (20 July 1864 – 8 April 1931) was a Swedish poet whose highly symbolist poetry masquerading as regionalism was popular and won him the 1931 Nobel Prize in Literature posthumously after he had been nominated by Nathan Söderblom, member of the Swedish Academy.[1] Karlfeldt had been offered the award already in 1919 but refused to accept it, because of his position as permanent secretary to the Swedish Academy (1913–1931), which awards the prize.[2]

Erik Axel Karlfeldt
Karlfeldt in 1931
Karlfeldt in 1931
BornErik Axel Eriksson
(1864-07-20)20 July 1864
Karlbo, Sweden
Died8 April 1931(1931-04-08) (aged 66)
Stockholm, Sweden
Occupationpoet
NationalitySwedish
Notable awards1931 Nobel Prize in Literature
Member of the Swedish Academy
(Seat No. 11)
In office
20 December 1904 – 8 April 1931
Preceded byClas Theodor Odhner
Succeeded byTorsten Fogelqvist
Permament Secretary
of the Swedish Academy
In office
February 1913 – April 1931
Preceded byHans Hildebrand
Succeeded byPer Hallström

Biography

Karlfeldt was born into a farmer's family in Karlbo, in the province of Dalarna. Initially, his name was Erik Axel Eriksson, but he assumed his new name in 1889, wanting to distance himself from his father, who had suffered the disgrace of a criminal conviction. He studied at Uppsala University, simultaneously supporting himself by teaching school in several places, including Djursholms samskola in the Stockholm suburb of Djursholm and at a school for adults. After completing his studies, he held a position at the Royal Library of Sweden, in Stockholm, for five years.

In 1904, Karlfeldt was elected a member of the Swedish Academy and held chair number 11. In 1905, he was elected a member of the Nobel Institute of the academy, and, in 1907, of the Nobel Committee. In 1912, he was elected permanent secretary of the academy, a position he held until his death.

Uppsala University, Karlfeldt's alma mater, awarded him the title of Doctor honoris causae in 1917.

Works in English

References
  1. "Nomination Archive". NobelPrize.org.
  2. Gustav Källstrand Andens olympiska spel: Nobelprisets historia, Fri Tanke Förlag 2021, ISBN 9789180203715
Wikiquote has quotations related to Erik Axel Karlfeldt.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Erik Axel Karlfeldt.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.