Nobel Prize in Literature

Sully-Prudhomme

Telegram Nobel Prize for Literature 1954

Albert Camus, gagnant de prix Nobel, portrait en buste, posé au bureau, faisant face à gauche, cigarette de tabagisme

Nobel Prize in Literature

The Nobel Prize in Literature is one of the six Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite. It has been awarded annually (with some exceptions) by the Swedish Academy to authors for outstanding contributions in the field of literature since 1901. The prize is an international award, recognizing writers from anywhere in the world, regardless of nationality, who have produced "in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction" (original Swedish: den som inom litteraturen har producerat det mest framstående verket i en idealisk riktning).

History

The Nobel Prize in Literature was created by the will of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish industrialist, and inventor. Nobel's will specified that his fortune be used to create a series of prizes for those who confer the "greatest benefit on mankind" in physics, chemistry, peace, physiology or medicine, and literature. The Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded annually by the Swedish Academy to an author from any country who has, according to Nobel's will, produced "the most outstanding work in an ideal direction."

Selection Process

The selection process for the Nobel Prize in Literature is rigorous and secretive. It begins with the Swedish Academy sending out requests for nominations to members of the academy, professors of literature and linguistics, previous laureates, and presidents of writers' organizations from around the world. After receiving nominations, the academy reviews the candidates' work and narrows down the list. The final decision is made by the 18 members of the academy, and the winner is announced in early October.

Notable Laureates

Over the years, the Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to a diverse group of authors, including novelists, poets, and playwrights. Some notable laureates include Bob Dylan (2016), for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition; Gabriel García Márquez (1982), for his novels and short stories, in which the fantastic and the realistic are combined in a richly composed world of imagination; and Alice Munro (2013), a master of the contemporary short story.

Controversies

The Nobel Prize in Literature has not been without its controversies. Criticisms have been directed at the Swedish Academy for being Eurocentric, overlooking significant literary contributions from non-European countries. Additionally, there have been years when the prize was not awarded, most notably during World War I and II. The selection of Bob Dylan in 2016 also sparked debate over whether song lyrics should be considered literature.

Impact

The Nobel Prize in Literature has a significant impact on an author's career, often leading to increased book sales, translations, and global recognition. It is considered one of the highest honors in the literary world, bringing attention to authors and works that might otherwise remain obscure.