Karlfeldt, Erik Axel (1864–1931)

Swedish poet. After the death of Gustav Fröding he came to be regarded as the leading Swedish poet. He developed an individual, often purposely archaic style and, with its feeling for nature, his poetry reflects peasant life. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1918, which he refused, but it was awarded posthumously in 1931.

In 1904 he was elected a member of the Swedish Academy, becoming permanent secretary from 1912.