SWEDISH POET TOMAS Tranströmer has won the Nobel Prize in Literature for 2011.
The announcement was made in Stockholm to great cheers this morning.
The Nobel Committee said they chose the 80-year-old poet “because, through his condensed, translucent images, he gives us fresh access to reality”.
“Most of Tranströmer’s poetry collections are characterized by economy, concreteness and poignant metaphors. In his latest collections … Tranströmer has shifted towards an even smaller format and a higher degree of concentration,” added the jury.
The 104th winner of the prize, Tranströmer was born in Stockholm in 1931 and was first published in 1954. His first collection, 17 Poems, was one of the most acclaimed literary debuts of the decade.
Over 20 years ago, the poet suffered a stroke that has left him largely unable to speak. He continued to write poetry and has had numerous collections published since.
His works have been translated into more than 60 languages. In some cases, he translates his own work.
The winner of the Nobel literature prize, who still lives with his wife in Sweden, will receive 10 million Swedish kronor (about €1.08 million) at a gala ceremony in December.
American singer Bob Dylan had been odds-on favourite to take the prize this year, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes. However, its list is pure speculation as the Nobel Committee never releases the names of the writers under consideration.
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