Astrid Lindgren (14 November, 1907 – 28, January 2002) is a Swedish author best known for creating the beloved character Pippi Longstocking. I remember loving the Pippi Longstocking books and movies (the Swedish ones from the late 60s – early 70s) and still enjoy them to this day.
Astrid Lindgren was born in 1907 in Vimmerby, Smaland (a province in Southern Sweden) as Astrid Anna Emilia Ericsson.
While working as a reporter, the unmarried lady became pregnant by her chief editor (he proposed marriage, she declined). She bore a son named Lars and left him in care of a foster family. Eventually, Lars was left in the care of his grandparents unti l Ms. Ericsson could afford to raise him by herself.
In 1931 she marked Sture Lindgren.
Mrs. Lindgren created her most famous character, Pippi Longstocking, after the birth of her daughter Karin to ease her time when she was sick.
In 1944 Ms. Lindgren came in second in a writing competition held by a new publishing house, Rabén & Sjögren with her novel Britt-Marie unburdens her heart (Britt-Marie lättar sitt hjärta). A year later she won the same competition with her book Pippi Longstocking which was refject earlier by another publishing house.
The Pippi Longstocking books have been translated into 60 languages. While the author was appreciated for her craftsmanship, the irreverent attitude towards authority figures drew the anger of conservatives.
She worked as an editor for a publishing house, where she used her influence to bring translations of the world’s best children’s literature to her native Sweden.
While visiting the US in 1948 on behalf of a women’s magazine, Ms. Lindgren was disgusted and upset witnessing the discretion against African-Americans.
The author received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for her 1956 novel Rasmus and the Vagabond (Rasmus på luffen) and on her 90th birthday, Astrid Lindgren was pronounced Swede of the Year.
The Encyclopedia of Fantasy named Astrid Lindgren as the foremost Swedish contributor to modern children’s fantasy, saying “her niche in children’s fantasy remains both secure and exalted. Her stories and images can never be forgotten.”
Zohar – Man of la Book
Man of la Book
A father, husband, avid reader, blogger, software engineer & wood worker who is known the world over as a man of many interests and to his wife as “an idiot”.