Which Swiss writer won the 1919 Nobel Prize in Literature for Olympian Spring?

Carl Spitteler won the 1919 Nobel Prize in Literature for Olympian Spring. The Swiss poet was recognized “in special appreciation” of his epic, originally titled Der olympische Frühling.

Spitteler wrote the epic between 1900 and 1905, drawing on Greek mythology to explore faith, morality, hope, despair and humanity’s relationship with the universe. It was published in four volumes and later revised, helping establish his reputation in Switzerland and Germany.

The prize has an unusual timetable. The Swedish Academy postponed the 1919 award after its initial choice, Erik Axel Karlfeldt, declined it; Spitteler was ultimately selected, with the ceremony taking place in 1920. He became the first Swiss recipient of the Literature Nobel.

A common mix-up is treating Spitteler as primarily a novelist. He was chiefly a poet and essayist, and his Nobel recognition rested on a long mythological epic rather than a conventional prose novel.