The Nobel Prize in Literature 2016: Bob Dylan

Ill: N. Elmehed. © Nobel Media AB 2016

The Permanent Secretary of Svenska Akademien (Swedish Academy) has issued the following statement:

The Nobel Prize in Literature for 2016 is awarded to Bob Dylan

"for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition".

A biography/bibliography, also posted to the official website of the Nobel Prize, says that Bob Dylan was born on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota, USA and developed a 'particular passion' for American folk music and blues during his youth. "One of his idols was the folk singer Woody Guthrie. He was also influenced by the early authors of the Beat Generation, as well as by modernist poets."

His vast artistic output is noted, including albums, films and experimental work like Tarantula (1971) and the collection Writings and Drawings (1973). His 2004 autobiography, Chronicles, is also cited for depicting "memories from the early years in New York and which provides glimpses of his life at the center of popular culture."

Source: "The Nobel Prize in Literature 2016 - Press Release". Nobelprize.org. Nobel Media AB 2014. Web. 13 Oct 2016.

New Roscommon Writing Award 2016 - now accepting entries

The New Roscommon Writing Award 2016 is offering monetary prizes that include €500 for the overall winner, whose entry will also be published in the Roscommon Herald. Four runners-up prizes of €50 each will also be awarded.

The competition is open to anyone over 18 who has a connection with Roscommon. The closing date for entries is 30 November 2016. Results will be announced in 2017 on a date and venue to be announced.

Full details, including competition entry rules, are available from the website of Roscommon County Council. You can also e-mail entries or enquiries to ghoare@roscommoncoco.ie