Erik Axel Karlfeldt (November 20, 1864 - April 8, 1931) was a Swedish poet whose essentially regional, tradition-bound poetry was extremely popular and won him the Nobel Prize in Literature posthumously in 1931; he had refused it in 1918.
Karlfeldt was born in a farmer's family in Karlbo , in the province of Dalecarlia. Initially, his name was Erik Axel Eriksson, but he assumed his new name in 1889, wanting to distance himself from his, through a criminal conviction, disgraced father. He studied at Uppsala University, simultaneouosly supporting himself by teaching school in several places, including the Stockholm suburb of Djursholm and a school for adults. After completing his studies, he held a position at the Royal Library of Sweden, in Stockholm, for five years.
In 1904 Karlfeldt was elected a member of the Swedish Academy and held chair number 11. In 1905 he was elected a member of the Nobel Institute of the Academy, and, in 1907, of the Nobel Committee. In 1912 he was elected permanent secretary of the Academy, a position he held until his death.
Uppsala University, Karlfeldt's alma mater, awarded him the title of Doctor honoris causa in 1917.
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Last updated: 10-29-2005 02:13:46
