Betti Alver

Betti Alver studied at Miina Härma Gymnasium and University of Tartu. The recorded working language is Estonian, Russian and German. The field of work recorded is poetry. Distinctions recorded are Honored Writer of the Estonian SSR, People's Writer of the Estonian SSR, Juhan Liiv Poetry Award and Friedebert Tuglas short story award.

• Name — Betti Alver • Born — 23 November 1906 • Birthplace — Jõgeva, Kreis Dorpat, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire • Birth Name — Elisabet Alver • Died — 19 June 1989 • Place of death — Tartu, then part of Estonian SSR, Soviet Union • Other Names — Elisabet Talvik Elisabet Lepik • Occupation — Poet • Years Active — 1922–1989 • Spouse — * Heiti Talvik, • Mart Lepik

She began as a prose writer. She became known for being a member of the Arbujad ("Soothsayers"), a small group of influential Estonian poets including Bernard Kangro, Uku Masing, Kersti Merilaas, Mart Raud, August Sang, Heiti Talvik and Paul Viiding. After the war her husband Heiti Talvik was imprisoned by the Soviets and died in Siberia. For two or three decades she was silent as a poet as protest of Soviet rule, but renewed activity in the 1960s. Of note in this second period is the 1966 collection Tähetund or "Starry Hour". She also wrote novels and did translation work. On the hundredth anniversary of her birth a museum was dedicated to her in Jõgeva.