The Swedish writer Selma Lagerlöf was the first female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1909).
The SwedishAcademy awarded her the prize in appreciation of the lofty idealism, her vivid imagination and spiritual perception that characterize her writings.
Lagerlöf is most widely known for her children’s book The Wonderful Adventures of Nils.
The book, intended as a geography primer for elementary schools, became a classic in children’s literature and was translated in several languages. You can click here for a comprehensive description of The Wonderful Adventures of Nils, written by Elysa Faith Ng, an eleven year old child.
Selma Lagerlöf’s debut novel, Gösta Berlings saga (a Swedish Gone With The Wind) made Great Garbo a star.
Lagerlöf helped support efforts to get German intellectuals out of Nazi Germany, and was instrumental in preventing the poet Nelly Sachs (who in 1966 won the Nobel Prize for Literature) from deportation to the concentration camps.
Carol Balawyder 
I didn’t know she was the first female Nobel laureate for this prize. Interesting!!!! I really am enjoying this series of yours.
LikeLike
Thanks, Margot…She was the first female winner and the last in my series, alas..
LikeLike
A great feature, dear Carol… Thanks for this spotlight… I didn’t know this author and I really enjoyed the reading.
Best wishes and happy weekend ahead to you,
Aquileana 😀
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Aquileana…I’m so glad that you’ve enjoying this reading.
Have a happy weekend as well. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wonder how the male writers felt when she was proclaimed the winner in 1909. I’m sure there were more than a few who were a little unsettled…
LikeLike
I never thought of that but I suppose it must have upset some male writers to have a female cut into their territory…especially if they believed male writers were better than females and especially that she was most famous for a children’s book!!!
LikeLike
I watched a movie about Beatrix Potter. It was amazing how much grief she got from her male counterparts.
LikeLike
Wow, another great post. I had no idea she wrote the book of Gosta Berlin. I am a total sucker for these old films. Thank you for posting. x
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a Happy Weekend. 🙂
LikeLike
Such an interesting series. Such strong and motivating women! Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
I’m glad you enjoyed the series…Yes, they certainly are strong and role models for us.’
Thanks for following and commenting. Have a Happy Weekend. 🙂
LikeLike
What a great series on inspiring and talented women. Thanks Carol!
LikeLike
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading. 🙂
LikeLike
Another fascinating piece of history. Thanks for sharing Carol. 🙂
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for another fascinating share Carol. 🙂
LikeLike
You always introduce me to interesting people I’ve never heard of!
LikeLike
Thanks for saying so…:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fascinating post!
LikeLike
Another very interesting artist/activist, Carol! Was the prize for the children’s book or the debut novel?
LikeLike
Thanks for being here once more, Diahanne. Actually the prize was for the sum of her work. 🙂
LikeLike
interesting post, as usually and for Selma one word: she’s been géniale! 🙂
LikeLike
Interesting woman, and her helping artists get away from the Nazi, that speaks volumes as to her character.
LikeLike
Another woman I should know about, thank you for bringing her to us. I love the quote, it is how I try to solve problems.
LikeLike
Thanks, Hilary for your comment.
I wrote a short comment of Unseen Unsung on Amazon.com and Goodreads. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Carol. You always come up with intriguing recommendations I haven’t come across!
LikeLike