Tomas Tranströmer
Encyclopedia
Tomas Gösta Tranströmer (ˈtʊːmas ˈjœsˈta ˈtrɑːnˈstrœmər) (born 15 April 1931) is a Swedish
writer, poet and translator, whose poetry has been translated into over 60 languages. Tranströmer is acclaimed as one of the most important Scandinavia
n writers since the Second World War. Critics have praised Tranströmer’s poems for their accessibility, even in translation; his poems capture the long Swedish winters, the rhythm of the seasons and the palpable, atmospheric beauty of nature. Tranströmer's work is also characterized by a sense of mystery and wonder underlying the routine of everyday life, a quality which often gives his poems a religious dimension. Indeed, he has been described as a Christian poet. He was awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Literature
.
in 1931 and raised by his mother, a schoolteacher, following her divorce from his father. He received his secondary education at the Södra Latin School in Stockholm, where he began writing poetry. In addition to selected journal publications, his first collection of poems, 17 dikter (Seventeen Poems) was published in 1954. He continued his education at Stockholm University
, graduating as a psychologist in 1956 with additional studies history, religion, and literature. Between 1960 and 1966, Tranströmer split his time between working as a psychologist at the Roxtuna center for juvenile offenders and writing poetry.
During the 1950s, Tranströmer became close friends with poet Robert Bly
. The two corresponded frequently, and Bly would translate Tranströmer's poems into English. Bonniers, Tranströmer's publisher, released Air Mail, a work consisting of Tranströmer and Bly's mail, in 2001. The Syrian poet Adunis helped spread Tranströmer's fame in the Arab world, accompanying him on readings.
Tranströmer went to Bhopal immediately after the gas tragedy
in 1984, and alongside Indian poets such as K. Satchidanandan, took part in a poetry reading session outside.
Tranströmer suffered a stroke
in 1990 that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak; however, he would continue to write and publish poetry through the early 2000s. His last original work, The Great Enigma, was published in 2004.
In addition to his writing, Tranströmer is also a piano player, something he has been able to continue after his stroke, albeit with one hand.
of his entire body of work, New Collected Poems, was published in the UK in 1987 and expanded in 1997. Following the publication of Den stora gåtan (The Great Enigma), Fulton's edition was further expanded into The Great Enigma: New Collected Poems, published in the US in 2006 and as an updated edition of New Collected Poems in the UK in 2011. He published a short autobiography, Minnena ser mig (The Memories see me), in 1993.
In the 1970's, other poets accused Tranströmer of being detached from his own age, since he did not deal overtly with social and political issues in his poems and novels. His work, though, lies within and further develops the Modernist and Expressionist/Surrealist language of 20th century poetry; his clear, seemingly simple pictures from everyday life and nature in particular reveals a mystic insight to the universal aspects of the human mind. A poem of his was read at Anna Lindh
's memorial service in 2003.
Tranströmer's awards include the Neustadt International Prize for Literature
, the Övralid Prize, the Petrarca-Preis
in Germany, the Golden Wreath of the Struga Poetry Evenings
and the Swedish Award from International Poetry Forum. In 2007, Tranströmer received a special Lifetime Recognition Award given by the trustees of the Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, which also awards the annual Griffin Poetry Prize
.
for 2011. He is the 108th winner of the award and the first Swede to win since 1974. Tranströmer had been considered a perennial frontrunner for the award in years past, with reporters waiting near his residence on the day of the announcement in years prior. It was also revealed that he had been nominated every single year since 1993. His wife Monica said he had been notified by phone four minutes before the announcement was made. The Nobel Committee stated that Tranströmer's work received the prize “because, through his condensed, translucent images, he gives us fresh access to reality."
Permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy Peter Englund
said, "He's been writing poetry since 1951 when he made his debut. And has quite a small production, really. He's writing about big questions. He's writing about death, he's writing about history and memory, and nature." Prime Minister of Sweden
Fredrik Reinfeldt
said he was ”happy and proud” at the news of Tranströmer's achievement. The prize announcement led to the immediate reissuing of at least two volumes of Tranströmer's poetry.
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
writer, poet and translator, whose poetry has been translated into over 60 languages. Tranströmer is acclaimed as one of the most important Scandinavia
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
n writers since the Second World War. Critics have praised Tranströmer’s poems for their accessibility, even in translation; his poems capture the long Swedish winters, the rhythm of the seasons and the palpable, atmospheric beauty of nature. Tranströmer's work is also characterized by a sense of mystery and wonder underlying the routine of everyday life, a quality which often gives his poems a religious dimension. Indeed, he has been described as a Christian poet. He was awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Literature
Nobel Prize in Literature
Since 1901, the Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded annually to an author from any country who has, in the words from the will of Alfred Nobel, produced "in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction"...
.
Life
Tranströmer was born in StockholmStockholm
Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia. Stockholm is the most populous city in Sweden, with a population of 851,155 in the municipality , 1.37 million in the urban area , and around 2.1 million in the metropolitan area...
in 1931 and raised by his mother, a schoolteacher, following her divorce from his father. He received his secondary education at the Södra Latin School in Stockholm, where he began writing poetry. In addition to selected journal publications, his first collection of poems, 17 dikter (Seventeen Poems) was published in 1954. He continued his education at Stockholm University
Stockholm University
Stockholm University is a state university in Stockholm, Sweden. It has over 28,000 students at four faculties, making it one of the largest universities in Scandinavia. The institution is also frequently regarded as one of the top 100 universities in the world...
, graduating as a psychologist in 1956 with additional studies history, religion, and literature. Between 1960 and 1966, Tranströmer split his time between working as a psychologist at the Roxtuna center for juvenile offenders and writing poetry.
During the 1950s, Tranströmer became close friends with poet Robert Bly
Robert Bly
Robert Bly is an American poet, author, activist and leader of the Mythopoetic Men's Movement.-Life:Bly was born in Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota, to Jacob and Alice Bly, who were of Norwegian ancestry. Following graduation from high school in 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving...
. The two corresponded frequently, and Bly would translate Tranströmer's poems into English. Bonniers, Tranströmer's publisher, released Air Mail, a work consisting of Tranströmer and Bly's mail, in 2001. The Syrian poet Adunis helped spread Tranströmer's fame in the Arab world, accompanying him on readings.
Tranströmer went to Bhopal immediately after the gas tragedy
Bhopal disaster
The Bhopal disaster also known as Bhopal Gas Tragedy was a gas leak incident in India, considered one of the world's worst industrial catastrophes. It occurred on the night of December 2–3, 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India...
in 1984, and alongside Indian poets such as K. Satchidanandan, took part in a poetry reading session outside.
Tranströmer suffered a stroke
Stroke
A stroke, previously known medically as a cerebrovascular accident , is the rapidly developing loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood supply to the brain. This can be due to ischemia caused by blockage , or a hemorrhage...
in 1990 that left him partially paralyzed and unable to speak; however, he would continue to write and publish poetry through the early 2000s. His last original work, The Great Enigma, was published in 2004.
In addition to his writing, Tranströmer is also a piano player, something he has been able to continue after his stroke, albeit with one hand.
Career
Tranströmer is considered to be one of the "most influential Scandinavian poet[s] of recent decades". Tranströmer has published 15 collected works over his career, which has been translated into over 60 languages. An English translation by Robin FultonRobin Fulton
Robin Fulton , is a Scottish poet and translator. He has lived in Stavanger, Norway, since 1973 working as a university lecturer- Fulton holds a PhD from Edinburgh University....
of his entire body of work, New Collected Poems, was published in the UK in 1987 and expanded in 1997. Following the publication of Den stora gåtan (The Great Enigma), Fulton's edition was further expanded into The Great Enigma: New Collected Poems, published in the US in 2006 and as an updated edition of New Collected Poems in the UK in 2011. He published a short autobiography, Minnena ser mig (The Memories see me), in 1993.
In the 1970's, other poets accused Tranströmer of being detached from his own age, since he did not deal overtly with social and political issues in his poems and novels. His work, though, lies within and further develops the Modernist and Expressionist/Surrealist language of 20th century poetry; his clear, seemingly simple pictures from everyday life and nature in particular reveals a mystic insight to the universal aspects of the human mind. A poem of his was read at Anna Lindh
Anna Lindh
Ylva Anna Maria Lindh was a Swedish Social Democratic politician, Chairman of the Social Democratic Youth League 1984-1990, Member of Parliament 1982-1985 and 1998-2003...
's memorial service in 2003.
Tranströmer's awards include the Neustadt International Prize for Literature
Neustadt International Prize for Literature
The Neustadt International Prize for Literature is a biennial award for literature sponsored by the University of Oklahoma and its international literary publication, World Literature Today. It is widely considered to be the most prestigious international literary prize after the Nobel Prize in...
, the Övralid Prize, the Petrarca-Preis
Petrarca-Preis
Petrarca-Preis is a European literary award named after the Italian Renaissance poet Francesco Petrarca or Petrarch. It was founded in 1975 by German art historian and publisher Hubert Burda, and is primarily designed for contemporary European poets, but also epicists appear in the list of...
in Germany, the Golden Wreath of the Struga Poetry Evenings
Struga Poetry Evenings
Struga Poetry Evenings is an international poetry festival held annually in Struga, Republic of Macedonia. During the several decades of its existence, the Festival has awarded its most prestigious award, the Golden Wreath, to some of the most notable international poets, including: Mahmoud...
and the Swedish Award from International Poetry Forum. In 2007, Tranströmer received a special Lifetime Recognition Award given by the trustees of the Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, which also awards the annual Griffin Poetry Prize
Griffin Poetry Prize
The Griffin Poetry Prize is Canada's most generous poetry award. It was founded in 2000 by businessman and philanthropist Scott Griffin. The awards go to one Canadian and one international poet who writes in the English language....
.
Nobel Prize in Literature, 2011
Tranströmer has been awarded the Nobel Prize in LiteratureNobel Prize in Literature
Since 1901, the Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded annually to an author from any country who has, in the words from the will of Alfred Nobel, produced "in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction"...
for 2011. He is the 108th winner of the award and the first Swede to win since 1974. Tranströmer had been considered a perennial frontrunner for the award in years past, with reporters waiting near his residence on the day of the announcement in years prior. It was also revealed that he had been nominated every single year since 1993. His wife Monica said he had been notified by phone four minutes before the announcement was made. The Nobel Committee stated that Tranströmer's work received the prize “because, through his condensed, translucent images, he gives us fresh access to reality."
Permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy Peter Englund
Peter Englund
Peter Englund is a Swedish author and historian, and the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy since 1 June 2009.-Biography:...
said, "He's been writing poetry since 1951 when he made his debut. And has quite a small production, really. He's writing about big questions. He's writing about death, he's writing about history and memory, and nature." Prime Minister of Sweden
Prime Minister of Sweden
The Prime Minister is the head of government in the Kingdom of Sweden. Before the creation of the office of a Prime Minister in 1876, Sweden did not have a head of government separate from its head of state, namely the King, in whom the executive authority was vested...
Fredrik Reinfeldt
Fredrik Reinfeldt
John Fredrik Reinfeldt is the Prime Minister of Sweden, leader of the liberal conservative Moderate Party and former President of the European Council...
said he was ”happy and proud” at the news of Tranströmer's achievement. The prize announcement led to the immediate reissuing of at least two volumes of Tranströmer's poetry.
Selected awards and honours
- 1966: Bellmanpriset (Bellmanpriset) (Sweden)
- 1981: Petrarca-PreisPetrarca-PreisPetrarca-Preis is a European literary award named after the Italian Renaissance poet Francesco Petrarca or Petrarch. It was founded in 1975 by German art historian and publisher Hubert Burda, and is primarily designed for contemporary European poets, but also epicists appear in the list of...
(Germany) - 1990: Neustadt International Prize for LiteratureNeustadt International Prize for LiteratureThe Neustadt International Prize for Literature is a biennial award for literature sponsored by the University of Oklahoma and its international literary publication, World Literature Today. It is widely considered to be the most prestigious international literary prize after the Nobel Prize in...
(US) - 1991: Nordic Prize of the Swedish Academy (Svenska Akademiens nordiska pris) (Sweden)
- 1992: Horst Bienek Prize for Poetry (Horst-Bienek-Preis für Lyrik) (Germany)
- 1996: AugustprisetAugustprisetThe August Prize is a Swedish literary prize that has been given out since 1989 by the Swedish Publishers' Association. The prize is given in the categories Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children's and Youth Literature. The prize is named after the writer August Strindberg...
, for Sorgegondolen (Sweden) - 2003: Struga Poetry EveningsStruga Poetry EveningsStruga Poetry Evenings is an international poetry festival held annually in Struga, Republic of Macedonia. During the several decades of its existence, the Festival has awarded its most prestigious award, the Golden Wreath, to some of the most notable international poets, including: Mahmoud...
Golden Wreath (Macedonia) - 2007: The Griffin Trust, Lifetime Recognition Award (Griffin Poetry PrizeGriffin Poetry PrizeThe Griffin Poetry Prize is Canada's most generous poetry award. It was founded in 2000 by businessman and philanthropist Scott Griffin. The awards go to one Canadian and one international poet who writes in the English language....
) (Canada) - 2011: Title of Professor , granted by the Cabinet of Sweden (Sweden)
- 2011: Nobel Prize for Literature (Sweden)
Swedish collections
- 17 dikter (17 Poems) 1954; Bonniers, 1965
- Hemligheter på vägen (Secrets on the Way), Bonnier, 1958
- Den halvfärdiga himlen (The Half-Finished Heaven), Bonnier, 1962
- Klanger och spår (Windows and Stones), Bonnier, 1966
- Mörkerseende (Night Vision), Författarförlaget, 1970
- Stigar (Paths), Författarförlaget, 1973, ISBN 9789170541100
- Östersjöar (Baltics), Bonnier, 1974
- Sanningsbarriären (The Truth Barrier), Bonnier, 1978, ISBN 9789100436841
- Det vilda torget (The Wild Square) Bonnier, 1983, ISBN 9789100460488
- För levande och döda (For the Living and the DeadFor the Living and the DeadFor the Living and the Dead is a 1989 collection of poetry by the Swedish writer Tomas Tranströmer. It received the Nordic Council Literature Prize....
), Bonnier, 1989 - Sorgegondolen (The Sorrow Gondola), Bonnier, 1996, ISBN 9789100562328
- Den stora gåtan (The Big Riddle), Bonnier, 2004, ISBN 9789100103101
- Galleriet: Reflected in Vecka nr.II (2007) – an artist book by Modhir Ahmed
Selected books in English translation
- Twenty Poems tr. Robert BlyRobert BlyRobert Bly is an American poet, author, activist and leader of the Mythopoetic Men's Movement.-Life:Bly was born in Lac qui Parle County, Minnesota, to Jacob and Alice Bly, who were of Norwegian ancestry. Following graduation from high school in 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving...
(Seventies Press, 1970) - Windows and Stones tr. May SwensonMay SwensonAnna Thilda May "May" Swenson was an American poet and playwright...
& Leif Sjoberg, University of Pittsburgh Press, 1972, ISBN 9780822932413 - Baltics tr. Samuel Charters, Oyez, Berkeley, 1975; Oasis Books, 1980, ISBN 9780903375511
- Selected Poems, translator Robin FultonRobin FultonRobin Fulton , is a Scottish poet and translator. He has lived in Stavanger, Norway, since 1973 working as a university lecturer- Fulton holds a PhD from Edinburgh University....
, Ardis Publishers, 1981, ISBN 9780882334622 - Collected Poems, Translator Robin FultonRobin FultonRobin Fulton , is a Scottish poet and translator. He has lived in Stavanger, Norway, since 1973 working as a university lecturer- Fulton holds a PhD from Edinburgh University....
, Bloodaxe BooksBloodaxe BooksBloodaxe Books is a British publishing house specialising in poetry.-History:It was founded in 1978 in Newcastle upon Tyne by Neil Astley, who is still editor and managing director. Joined in 1982 by chairman Simon Thirsk, Astley was later awarded an honorary D.Litt by Newcastle University in 1995...
, 1987, ISBN 9781852240233 - Tomas Tranströmer: Selected Poems, 1954–1986, Editor Robert Hass, Publisher Ecco Press, 1987 ISBN 9780880011136
- Sorrow Gondola: Sorgegondolen tr. Robin Fulton, Dufour Editions, 1994, ISBN 9781873790489; Dufour Editions, Incorporated, 1997, ISBN 9780802390707
- New Collected Poems tr. Robin Fulton, Bloodaxe Books, 1997, ISBN 9781852244132
- Selected Poems Transtromer, Translator May Swenson, Eric Sellin, HarperCollins, 1999, ISBN 9780880014038
- The Half-Finished Heaven tr. Robert Bly, Graywolf PressGraywolf PressGraywolf Press is an independent, non-profit publisher located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Founded on a dedication to the creation and promotion of thoughtful and imaginative contemporary literature essential to a vital and diverse culture, Graywolf Press publishes fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.Now...
, 2001, ISBN 9781555973513 - The Deleted World tr. Robin RobertsonRobin RobertsonRobin Robertson is a Scottish poet.-Biography:Robertson was brought up on the north-east coast of Scotland, but has spent most of his professional life in London...
, Enitharmon PressEnitharmon PressEnitharmon Press is an independent British publishing house specialising in poetry.The name of the press comes from the poetry of William Blake: Enitharmon was a character who represented spiritual beauty and poetic inspiration. The press's logo "derives from a Blake woodcut".-History:The Press was...
, 2006, ISBN 9781904634485; Enitharmon Press, 2006, ISBN 9781904634515 - The Sorrow Gondola tr. Michael McGriff and Mikaela Grassl, Green Integer, 2010, ISBN 9781933382449
- The Deleted World tr. Robin RobertsonRobin RobertsonRobin Robertson is a Scottish poet.-Biography:Robertson was brought up on the north-east coast of Scotland, but has spent most of his professional life in London...
, Farrar, Straus and GirouxFarrar, Straus and GirouxFarrar, Straus and Giroux is an American book publishing company, founded in 1946 by Roger W. Straus, Jr. and John C. Farrar. Known primarily as Farrar, Straus in its first decade of existence, the company was renamed several times, including Farrar, Straus and Young and Farrar, Straus and Cudahy...
, 2011 - New Collected Poems tr. Robin Fulton, expanded edition Bloodaxe Books, 2011, ISBN 9781852244132
External links
- Official Website of Tomas Tranströmer
- Biography on Pegasos
- Biography and Poems on Poets.org
- Biographical profile on Bloodaxe Books website
- Griffin Poetry Prize Lifetime Recognition tribute, including audio and video clips
- 28 haiku from "The Great Mystery" translated by Anatoly Kudryavitsky, with his essay on Tranströmer
- Sorrow Gondola translated by Patty Crane, with essay by David Wojahn, letter from Jean Valentine, and more in Blackbird, Spring 2011, Vol. 10, No. 1.
- Poems in English translation at SamizdatSamizdat (poetry magazine)Samizdat was an international poetry magazine published in Chicago from 1998 until 2004 and edited by the poet Robert Archambeau. It was noted for its unusual format, being printed on large newsprint pages. Contributors included Adam Zagajewski as well as Clayton Eshleman, Pierre Joris, Jerome...
- Poetry Fix video on Tranströmer
- Landscape with Suns
- The Guardian: Tomas Tranströmer 'surprised' by Nobel prize for literature - video interview
- "Wonderful Centipedes: The Poetry of Tomas Tranströmer", Niklas Schiöler, Berfrois, 12 October 2011