Eyvind Johnson

Date of Birth: July 29, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: August 25, 1976

Biography

Eyvind Johnson, a celebrated Swedish author, was born on July 29, 1900, in Svartbjörnsbyn, a small village in northern Sweden. Johnson’s early life was marked by hardship; his father died when he was a child, leaving his mother to struggle to support the family. Despite these challenges, Johnson’s passion for literature blossomed. He moved to Stockholm in the early 1920s, where he began his literary career as a writer and critic. Johnson’s early works, such as “Timans och rättfärdigheten” (1925) and “Här har du ditt liv!” (1935), were well-received and showcased his keen understanding of human nature and social issues. His writing often reflected his own experiences, particularly his observations of working-class life and the struggles of individuals against oppressive forces. In 1946, Johnson’s novel “Strändernas svall” (Return to Ithaca) was published, a retelling of Homer’s “Odyssey” that received critical acclaim. This work solidified his reputation as a major literary figure in Sweden. Throughout his career, Johnson continued to explore themes of existentialism, human resilience, and the quest for identity. In 1974, Eyvind Johnson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, sharing the honor with fellow Swedish writer Harry Martinson. The Nobel Committee praised Johnson for his “narrative art, far-seeing in lands and ages, in the service of freedom.” Johnson’s later years were spent in Sigtuna, where he continued to write until his death on August 25, 1976. His works remain influential, and he is remembered as one of Sweden’s most significant literary figures.

5 Interesting Facts about Eyvind Johnson

1. Eyvind Johnson’s novel “Strändernas svall” is a modern retelling of Homer’s “Odyssey.”

2. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1974.

3. Johnson’s early life was marked by poverty and the death of his father.

4. He was a member of the Swedish Academy from 1957 until his death.

5. Johnson’s works often explored themes of existentialism and human resilience.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eyvind Johnson

1. “Freedom is a fragile thing, and it is never more than one generation away from extinction.”

2. “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

3. “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.”

4. “A writer should have the precision of a poet and the imagination of a scientist.”

5. “In literature, as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Eyvind Johnson’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his Nobel Prize in Literature would have included a significant monetary award, and his works have had a lasting impact on Swedish literature.