Selma Lagerlöf in the early 20th Century. She certainly appears as the Nordic Queen of Writing, as a letter-writer put it. Photo: Coutesy of Kungliga Biblioteket, Stockholm.
 

The special exhibition "Spellbound - The Readers' Selma Lagerlöf" opens on 20th November - her 150th birthday. We have borrowed an exquisite selection of the Swedish treasury of letters in order to tell the story about the magic that Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940) was able to create by her writing and about her person and which made her the object of a letter culture and an idolization which has a strong resemblance to modern fan culture

Letter Storm

Mail arrived in sackfuls to Selma Lagerlöf's home and the short comments on the envelopes written by Selma Lagerlöf and her secretary bear witness of the many different types of letters she received. Enthusiastic readers sent letters of thanks, cultural celebrities wanted to discuss with her, budding writers needed her evaluation of their works, autograph hunters asked for signed photos, and the poor and needy asked for her help with all kinds of things from clothes to education. Lagerlöf took her time to answer the many letters although some begging letters, mentally disturbed approaches, and letters with too many swear words were marked "unanswered". The exhibition has been made on basis of original letters and their senders, and important themes of the writer's life and career are unfolded.

Selma Lagerlöf's World

The exhibition presents among other things Lagerlöf's works and the sources of inspiration that followed her all through her life. Visitors can experience the enchanting Värmland forest, see objects from Lagerlöf's childhood home, Mårbacka Manor, and the dress she was wearing when she received the Nobel Prize in literature in 1909 as the first woman ever.

Selma Lagerlöf was a complex, enigmatic being, both as a writer and as a person. Her works contain everything from quirky animal fables to abysmal tragedies. Lagerlöf's books and gallery of characters made her world-famous and equally loved by children and adults, and in the exhibition you can experience both the dark undercurrents of the magic power and the children-friendly Nils Holgersson universe.

Spellbound

Magic Power was Lagerlöf's own name for the magic attractiveness of imagination and the universe she created between dream and reality. Her many enthusiastic readers were gladly spellbound. We hope to be able to share the magic with the visitors in the special exhibition that can be seen from 20th November 2008 to 8th March 2009.