Kazuo Ishiguro. Ill: N. Elmehed. © Nobel Media 2017
2017 Nobel Prize in Literature
The Nobel Prize in Literature for 2017 is awarded to Kazuo Ishiguro “who, in novels of great emotional force, has uncovered the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection with the world”.
Bio-bibliographical information
Awarded to 114 Nobel Laureates since 1901
“The said interest shall be divided into five equal parts, which shall be apportioned as follows: /- – -/ one part to the person who shall have produced in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction …”
(Excerpt from the will of Alfred Nobel)
Alfred Nobel had broad cultural interests. During his early youth, he developed his literary interests which lasted throughout his life. His library consisted of a rich and broad selection of literature in different languages. During the last years of his life, he tried his hand as an author and began writing fiction. Literature was the fourth prize area Nobel mentioned in his will.
The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded by the Swedish Academy, Stockholm, Sweden.
“The Most Outstanding Work”
Alfred Nobel’s prescriptions for the Literature Prize were quite vague. In fact, the history of the Literature Prize appears as a series of attempts to interpret an imprecisely worded will.
More about Alfred Nobel’s Will and the Literature Prize
110
Nobel Prizes in Literature have been awarded 1901-2017.
14
women have been awarded the Literature Prize so far.
4
Literature Prizes have been divided between two persons.
41
years was the age of the youngest Literature Laureate ever, Rudyard Kipling, best known for The Jungle Book.
88
years was the age of the oldest Literature Laureate ever, Doris Lessing, when she was awarded the Prize in 2007.
65
is the average age of the Nobel Laureates in Literature the year they were awarded the prize.
All facts and figures on the Nobel Prize in Literature
Peter Englund
How do you find authors worthy a Literature Prize?
Peter Englund, former Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy, answers frequently asked questions about the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Recommend a Book!
Have you read anything by William Golding or by another author awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature?
Tell us about your favorite book!
“Still Relevant and Powerful Today – Simply Genius”
Discover our visitors’ thoughts about Lord of the Flies and many other books.
2016 Literature Prize
Photo: William Claxton
“for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”
The Nobel Prize in Literature for 2016 was awarded to Bob Dylan.
“He can be read and should be read, and is a great poet in the English tradition”
Sara Danius, Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy, about the 2016 Nobel Prize in literature to Bob Dylan.
Ill: N. Elmehed. © Nobel Media 2016
“I’m sorry I can’t be with you in person”
Bob Dylan’s speech at the Nobel Banquet was delivered by the United States Ambassador to Sweden Azita Raji.
Recommend a Book!
Hav you read anything by Bob Dylan or by another author awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature?
Tell us about your favourite book!
“for her polyphonic writings, a monument to suffering and courage in our time”
The Nobel Prize in Literature for 2015 was awarded to the Belarusian author Svetlana Alexievich.
Press release
Bio-biographical information
“The poetics of tragedy are important for me”
Interview with Svetlana Alexievich, awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature, while the taxi waited outside to take her to the press conference.
“Flaubert called himself a human pen; I would say that I am a human ear”
Read Svetlana Alexievich’s Nobel Lecture ‘On the Battle Lost’.
Nobel Lecture by Svetlana Alexievich
“There was a black cloud, and hard rain”
Not familiar with Svetlana Alexievich’s work? Here, you can read an excerpt from her book Voices from Chernobyl.
“for the art of memory with which he has evoked the most ungraspable human destinies”
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2014 was awarded to Patrick Modiano.
“Missing, a young girl, Dora Bruder, age 15”
Memory, identity and time are central themes for Patrick Modiano. Read, or listen to, an excerpt from his book Dora Bruder.
Designs Related to Each Laureate
In the Nobel diplomas, the artists try to summarize something of the atmosphere and character of each author’s works.
Have a closer look at Patrick Modiano’s diploma
Language: French
Patrick Modiano writes in French. Most common languages for the 111 Literature Laureates:
- 27 Laureates write in English
- 14 Laureates write in French
- 13 Laureates write in German
- 11 Laureates write in Spanish
Literature Laureates and languages