Nobel Prize in Literature: History, impact, and controversy

Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel Prize in Literature has served as a major international institution that shapes global literary standards. Guided by Alfred Nobel's will, the Swedish Academy selects laureates based on aesthetic, political, ethical, and socio-political criteria.

The prize has highlighted both established giants and previously obscure authors. Notable historical winners include Thomas Mann, Gabriel García Márquez, and Samuel Beckett. Greek poets Giorgos Seferis and Odysseas Elytis also gained international prominence through the award. Additionally, the prize has brought global attention to writers like Selma Lagerlöf, Yasunari Kawabata, Herta Müller, and Abdulrazak Gurnah.

However, the institution has faced controversy and internal challenges. The selection of Bob Dylan in 2016 sparked debates regarding the boundaries of literature, and a scandal within the Swedish Academy led to the decision not to award the prize in 2018.