Selma Lagerlof

Date of Birth: November 20, 1858

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: March 16, 1940

Biography

Selma Lagerlöf was a Swedish author born on November 20, 1858, in Mårbacka, Värmland, Sweden. She is best known for her novel “Gösta Berling’s Saga” and for being the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909. Lagerlöf’s work is characterized by its strong sense of place, its deep connection to Swedish folklore, and its vivid, imaginative style. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a schoolteacher. Her other notable works include “The Wonderful Adventures of Nils,” which was originally written as a geography reader for Swedish schoolchildren but became popular worldwide. Lagerlöf was a trailblazer for women in literature and an important figure in Swedish cultural life. Beyond her literary achievements, she was actively involved in the women’s rights movement and was a member of the Nobel Prize committee for literature. Lagerlöf never married or had children, dedicating her life to her writing and social causes. She passed away on March 16, 1940, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

5 Interesting Facts about Selma Lagerlof

1. Selma Lagerlöf was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, which she received in 1909.

2. Her novel “The Wonderful Adventures of Nils” was initially intended as a textbook to teach Swedish geography to children.

3. Lagerlöf was a member of the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize in Literature.

4. A significant part of her childhood was spent in a wheelchair due to a hip injury, which influenced her imaginative storytelling.

5. Her home, Mårbacka, has been preserved as a museum and is a popular tourist attraction in Sweden.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Selma Lagerlof

1. “There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms.”

2. “I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.”

3. “It is a strange thing to come home. While yet on the journey, you cannot at all realize how strange it will be.”

4. “Nothing on earth can make up for the loss of one who has loved you.”

5. “All things are possible once enough human beings realize that everything is at stake.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Selma Lagerlöf’s highest estimated net worth was not publicly documented, but she was considered financially successful due to her literary achievements and Nobel Prize winnings.