Erik Axel Karlfeldt (1864-1931)

Awarded the Prize “for the poetry of Erik Axel Karlfeldt.”

Swedish poet. Karlfeldt was born in Karlbo in the province of Dalekarlia, Sweden on July 20, 1864. He studied at the University of Uppsala and received his degree in 1898. After completing his studies, he held a position at the Royal Library in Stockholm for five years. In 1903 he was appointed librarian of the Agricultural Academy. Meanwhile he had found recognition as a poet, and in 1904 was elected to the Swedish Academy. In 1905 he became a member of the Nobel Institute of the Academy and in 1907 of the Nobel Committee. In 1912 he was appointed permanent secretary of the Academy and henceforth devoted all his time to this position (although he did remain a member of the Nobel Committee) and to his poetry. Karlfeldt died on April 8, 1931 in Stockholm.