'Bold and inventive' Canadian poet Anne Carson wins Nobel Literature Prize

Canadian poet, essayist, and translator Anne Carson received the Nobel Prize in Literature this year, the committee declared. The esteemed 76-year-old is renowned for her works that defy the boundaries of poetry, fiction, and scholarship. The Nobel Prize committee commended her "bold and inventive oeuvre" for its revolutionary approach to contemporary literature, blending classical traditions with a playful, innovative style.

The prestigious award comes with a cash prize of 12 million Swedish kronor (£900,000, $1.2 million). Ingrid Carlberg, permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, broke the news to Carson over the phone before the public announcement. Carson, currently in Iceland, was reportedly taken aback but visibly delighted, her excitement evident in her voice.

Anders Olsson, chairman of the Swedish Academy's Nobel committee for Literature, lauded Carson's departure from the traditional lyrical poetry, which often centers around the "narrative self." His statement highlighted her influence on modern literature through her inventive approach, crafting works that seamlessly transition between classical and contemporary poetry, as well as various genres and art forms.

Among Carson's notable works are "The Glass Essay," "Autobiography of Red: A Novel in Verse," "Nox," "Float," and "The Beauty of the Husband: A Fictional Essay in 29 Tangos." Additionally, she has translated ancient Greek literature and served as a professor of classics for over three decades.