Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940) was a Swedish writer of novels and short stories, the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. She wrote in the field of magic realism, influenced mostly by her childhood fairy tales and picturesque natural world around her home. Worked as teacher, never married, and took part in some political issues. Her best known works include "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils", "Jerusalem", and "The Emperor of Portugallia".
