Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlöf
- Born:
- November 20, 1858, Mårbacka, Värmland, Sweden
- Died:
- March 16, 1940, Mårbacka, Värmland, Sweden
- Nationality:
- Swedish
- Profession(s):
- Author, Teacher
Early Life and Education
- Born into a family of landowners in Värmland, Sweden.
- Experienced a childhood illness that affected her hip, keeping her largely indoors.
- Educated at Högre lärarinneseminariet (Royal Advanced Female Teachers' Seminary) in Stockholm, graduating in 1882.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as a schoolteacher in Landskrona from 1885 to 1895.
- Published her debut novel, Gösta Berlings saga, in 1891.
- Received a grant from King Oscar II, allowing her to dedicate herself to writing.
- Traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East.
- Elected to the Swedish Academy in 1914.
- Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909, the first woman and first Swedish writer to receive the prize.
Notable Works
- Gösta Berlings saga (1891)
- Jerusalem (1901-1902)
- Nils Holgerssons underbara resa genom Sverige (The Wonderful Adventures of Nils) (1906-1907) - A geography textbook and children's story
- Kejsarn av Portugallien (The Emperor of Portugallia) (1914)
- Löwensköldska ringen (The Löwensköld Ring) trilogy (1925-1928)
Legacy and Impact
Selma Lagerlöf is celebrated as one of Sweden's most important and influential writers. Her works are known for their vivid storytelling, rich character development, and exploration of themes related to nature, morality, and Swedish folklore. Her contributions to literature were recognized with the Nobel Prize, solidifying her place as a literary icon. A study of selma lagerlof biography reveals her lasting influence on Swedish and world literature.
Awards and Honors
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Nobel Prize in Literature | 1909 |
| Member of the Swedish Academy | 1914 |