Books: Nobel Prize

From Stockholm announcement was made that the Nobel Prize for Literature for 1923 had been awarded to the Irish poet-author, William Butler Yeats.

Since The Wanderings of Oisin (a narrative poem based on Celtic legends), Yeats has been recognized as among the most distinguished of living poets. His life has been devoted to the Irish renaissance. In large measure he was the Irish renaissance. George Moore admits it. Synge, a finer dramatist, and Lady Gregory, a better technician, were directed by him. To him the Abbey Theatre (Dublin) owes its great days and its survival. His best drama is the Land of Heart’s Desire, but his fame rests upon his lyrics. In the U. S., Yeats’ complete works have been published by Macmillan.

Former Nobel Prize for Literature winners:Year Name Nationality

1922 T. Benavente Spanish

1921 Anatole France French

1920 Knut Hamsun Norwegian

1919 Carl Spitteler Swiss

1918 H. Pontoppidan Danish

1917 K. Gjellerup Danish

1916 Verner Heidenstam Swedish

1915 Romain Holland French

1914 Not awarded

1913 Rabindranath Tagore Bengalese

1912 G. Hauptmann German

1911 M. Maeterlinck Belgian

1910 P. Heyse German

1909 Selma Lagerlof Swedish

1908 R. Eucken German

1907 Rudyard Kipling English

1906 G. Carducci Italian

1905 H. Sienkiewicz Polish

1904 F. Mistral French

J. Echegaray Spanish

1903 B. Bjoruson Norwegian

1902 Th. Mommsen German

1901 R. F. A. Sully-Prudhomme French

Yeats is noted aside from his literary work for his activities on behalf of the Irish Free State. He is a member of the Irish Senate, has edited Samhain (a periodical devoted to Irish literary revival).

Fifty-eight years old, he was born, according to different authorities, either in Sligo (the wildest part of western Ireland), or in Dublin. His father, an artist, died a year ago in his Manhattan home.