Lessing, Doris: 1919 - 2013
Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2007
- Prize motivation: "that epicist of the female experience, who with scepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided civilisation to scrutiny"
- The ceremony took place at the Swedish Academy, Stockholm, on December 7, 2007
- Presentation Speech by Per Wästberg, Writer, Member of the Swedish Academy, Chairman of the Nobel Committee for Literature
- Doris Lessing Receives her Nobel Prize
- Nobel Lecture; delivered by Nicholas Pearson, Doris Lessing's publisher in the UK.
Doris Lessing could not attend the ceremony due to health issues. Her advanced age was a factor, as she was 88 years old. Furthermore she suffered from ill health, which prevented her from making the journey to Stockholm, and reports mentioned that she had a bad back, which contributed to her inability to travel. However, arrangements were made to ensure she could still receive her honor: A special ceremony was held for Lessing on January 30, 2008, in London, England. (Media 38:00) - Telephone interview with the Nobel Prize Committee.