Ben Jackson
Well-known member
46 writers we're nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature this which was awarded to Hall Laxness. Writers that was shortlisted for the Nobel this year were Somerset Maugham, Gunnar Gunnarson, Juan Ramon Jimenez, Eugene Baie and Laxness.
Committee wrote that Somerset Maugham's works were undistinguished, despite his extreme popularity. The Committe held the first two volumes of his short stories, Summing Up and Cake and Ale in high regard, but found Of Human Bondage and The Razor's Edge unsatisfying. Hence the committee's concluding statement after been divided over his works. The committee initially proposed Gunnarson/Laxness for their work in rejuvenating Icelandic Literature, but it was later rejected and instead proposed Laxness as the sole candidate from Iceland. Jimenez, on the other hand, was hailed for his innovation in Spanish poetry. Jimenez and Laxness were later proposed as the two main candidates. The Academy voted thrice to determine the winner. Jimenez won the first time but wasn't able to get the majority, the second time ended in a draw, and the third time Laxness won, defeating Jimenez by ten votes, the majority against Jimenez seven.
I have only read Jimenez and Maugham from the short list, so I can't say if Laxness is more deserving.
Committee wrote that Somerset Maugham's works were undistinguished, despite his extreme popularity. The Committe held the first two volumes of his short stories, Summing Up and Cake and Ale in high regard, but found Of Human Bondage and The Razor's Edge unsatisfying. Hence the committee's concluding statement after been divided over his works. The committee initially proposed Gunnarson/Laxness for their work in rejuvenating Icelandic Literature, but it was later rejected and instead proposed Laxness as the sole candidate from Iceland. Jimenez, on the other hand, was hailed for his innovation in Spanish poetry. Jimenez and Laxness were later proposed as the two main candidates. The Academy voted thrice to determine the winner. Jimenez won the first time but wasn't able to get the majority, the second time ended in a draw, and the third time Laxness won, defeating Jimenez by ten votes, the majority against Jimenez seven.
I have only read Jimenez and Maugham from the short list, so I can't say if Laxness is more deserving.