Selma Lagerlöf

Profession: Author and Nobel Laureate

Biography: Selma Lagerlöf was a Swedish author who achieved worldwide acclaim for her writing, making significant contributions to Swedish literature.

Her most well-known work, "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils" (1906-1907), started as a commissioned work to write a geography book for children. Instead, she created a captivating tale of a mischievous boy who travels across Sweden on the back of a goose which not only became a classic of children's literature but also brought Swedish folklore and geographical features to a global audience.

In 1909, Lagerlöf's literary prowess was recognized when she became the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, further solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in world literature. The Swedish Academy awarded her the prize "in appreciation of the lofty idealism, vivid imagination and spiritual perception that characterize her writings."

Beyond her writing, Lagerlöf was also politically active, supporting women's rights and working towards women's suffrage. In 1914, she became the first woman to be granted membership in the Swedish Academy.

Born: November 20, 1858
Birthplace: Mårbacka, Värmland, Sweden
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: March 16, 1940 (aged 81)