NPR

Nobel Prize Judges Face Crisis 'Worse Than One Can Imagine' After Resignations

Three members of the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize in literature, protested its response to a simmering scandal by resigning their permanent roles. Now, the group is in a tough spot.
As permanent secretary from 2009 to 2015, Peter Englund fulfilled the Swedish Academy's most high-profile duty: announcing the winner of the Nobel Prize in literature. Here is is announcing French novelist Patrick Modiano's win in 2014.

After three members of the Swedish Academy resigned Friday, protesting its response to a long-simmering scandal, the committee known for awarding the Nobel Prize in literature has found itself in unfamiliar — and precarious — territory: Beyond examining the merits of an author's past work, as it does each year, the centuries-old group is now also facing questions about its own future.

, the academy's former permanent secretary, and authors and all resigned their technically permanent positions on the 18-member committee in quick succession, citing allegations against a high-profile figure closely

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
The Original 'Harry Potter' Book Cover Art Is Expected To Break Records At Auction
Sotheby's June 26 auction of Thomas Taylor's watercolor illustration for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is estimated to sell for $400,000-$600,000.
NPR3 min read
Houston Area Braces For Flooding To Worsen Following Storms
A flood watch remained in effect through Sunday afternoon as forecasters predicted additional rainfall Saturday night, bringing another 1 to 3 inches of water to the soaked region.
NPR4 min read
'Hacks' Season 3 Is Proof That Compelling Storylines And Character Growth Take Time
Ava (Hannah Einbinder) and Deborah (Jean Smart) have both grown a lot since we first met them in Season 1. It's a reminder that shows need breathing room to achieve satisfying development.

Related Books & Audiobooks