Doris Lessing – Winner of The Nobel Prize in Literature 2007

The very first Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded in 1901 to the French poet and philosopher Sully Prudhomme, who in his poetry showed the “rare combination of the qualities of both heart and intellect”. Over the years, the Nobel Prize in Literature has distinguished the works of authors from many different languages and cultural backgrounds. The prize has been awarded to unknown masters as well as authors acclaimed worldwide.

The Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to 104 persons since 1901. It is awarded annually to an author from any country who has, in the words of Alfred Nobel, produced "the most outstanding work of an idealistic tendency". The "work" in this case refers to an author's work as a whole, though individual works are sometimes also cited. The Swedish Academy decides who, if anyone, will receive the prize in any given year.

Doris Lessing CH OBE, was born on 22 October 1919. She is a British writer, an author of works such as the novels The Grass is Singing and The Golden Notebook.

In 2007, Doris Lessing won the Nobel Prize in Literature. She was described by the Swedish Academy as "that epicist of the female experience, who with scepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided civilisation to scrutiny".

Lessing is only the eleventh woman to win the prize in its history, and also the oldest person ever to win the literature award.

In this section...

What's News
Special Features
Newsround