The Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded 118 times to 122 Nobel Prize laureates between 1901 and 2025. Click on the links to get more information.
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2025 has not been awarded yet. It will be announced on Thursday 9 October, 13:00 CEST at the earliest.
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Nobel Prize in Literature 1959
“for his lyrical poetry, which with classical fire expresses the tragic experience of life in our own times”
Nobel Prize in Literature 1958
“for his important achievement both in contemporary lyrical poetry and in the field of the great Russian epic tradition”
Nobel Prize in Literature 1957
“for his important literary production, which with clear-sighted earnestness illuminates the problems of the human conscience in our times”
Nobel Prize in Literature 1956
“for his lyrical poetry, which in Spanish language constitutes an example of high spirit and artistical purity”
Nobel Prize in Literature 1955
“for his vivid epic power which has renewed the great narrative art of Iceland”
Nobel Prize in Literature 1954
“for his mastery of the art of narrative, most recently demonstrated in The Old Man and the Sea, and for the influence that he has exerted on contemporary style”
Nobel Prize in Literature 1953
“for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values”
Nobel Prize in Literature 1952
“for the deep spiritual insight and the artistic intensity with which he has in his novels penetrated the drama of human life”
Nobel Prize in Literature 1951
“for the artistic vigour and true independence of mind with which he endeavours in his poetry to find answers to the eternal questions confronting mankind”
Nobel Prize in Literature 1950
“in recognition of his varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought”