Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlöf was a Swedish writer. She published her first novel, Gösta Berling's Saga, at the age of 33. She was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, which she was awarded in 1909. Additionally, she was the first woman to be granted a membership in the Swedish Academy in 1914.
Lagerlöf in 1909
Lagerlöf family home at Mårbacka, Värmland
Lagerlöf in 1881
Lagerlöf with her friend and literary assistant Valborg Olander. Elkan was jealous of the relationship.
The Swedish Academy, founded in 1786 by King Gustav III, is one of the Royal Academies of Sweden. Its 18 members, who are elected for life, comprise the highest Swedish language authority. Outside Scandinavia, it is best known as the body that chooses the laureates for the annual Nobel Prize in Literature, awarded in memory of the donor Alfred Nobel.
Headquarters
Dag Hammarskjöld's farm in Backåkra, used as a retreat for academy members
Image: Bo Ralph
Image: David Håkansson