Dario Fo, Photo: Andrea Merola, Copyright © Pressens Bild, Ansa files EPA

Nobel Laureate Dario Fo

The Nobel Prize in Literature

The very first Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded in 1901 to the French poet and philosopher Sully Prudhomme, who in his poetry showed the "rare combination of the qualities of both heart and intellect". Over the years, the Nobel Prize in Literature has distinguished the works of authors from many different languages and cultural backgrounds. The prize has been awarded to unknown masters as well as authors acclaimed worldwide.

2008 Nobel Prize in Literature The Nobel Prize in Literature goes to Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, "author of new departures, poetic adventure and sensual ecstasy, explorer of a humanity beyond and below the reigning civilization".

2007 Nobel Prize in Literature The Nobel Prize in Literature goes to Doris Lessing "that epicist of the female experience, who with scepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided civilisation to scrutiny".

2006 Nobel Laureate The Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk, "who in the quest for the melancholic soul of his native city has discovered new symbols for the clash and interlacing of cultures", was awarded the 2006 Nobel Prize in Literature.

The Nobel Prize in Literature

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