Erik Axel Karlfeldt

Erik Axel Karlfeldt studied at Uppsala University. The recorded working language is Swedish. Positions recorded include seat 11 of the Swedish Academy and Swedish Academy permanent secretary. Distinctions recorded are Nobel Prize in Literature and Samfundet De Nio's Grand Prize.

Karlfeldt was born into a farmer's family in Karlbo, in the province of Dalarna. Initially, his name was Erik Axel Eriksson, but he assumed his new name in 1889, wanting to distance himself from his father, who had suffered the disgrace of a criminal conviction. He studied at Uppsala University, simultaneously supporting himself by teaching school in several places, including Djursholms samskola in the Stockholm suburb of Djursholm and at a school for adults. After completing his studies, he held a position at the Royal Library of Sweden, in Stockholm, for five years. In 1904, Karlfeldt was elected a member of the Swedish Academy and held chair number 11. In 1905, he was elected a member of the Nobel Institute of the academy, and, in 1907, of the Nobel Committee. In 1912, he was elected permanent secretary of the academy, a position he held until his death. Uppsala University, Karlfeldt's alma mater, awarded him the title of Doctor honoris causae in 1917. Karlfeldt was a pantheist.

Modern Swedish Poetry Part 1 (1929) – (trans. by C. D. Locock) Arcadia Borealis (1938) – (trans. by Charles Wharton Stork) The North! To the North! (2001) – (trans. by Judith Moffett, five poets including Karlfeldt)