In this episode, we are joined by Paul Tenngart, Associate Professor of Comparative Literature at Lund University and an expert in Swedish and French poetry, literary translation, and climate fiction. His latest book, The Nobel Prize and the Formation of Contemporary World Literature (2023), explores how the Nobel Prize has shaped global literary aesthetics since its inception.

We discuss the aims of the 196th Nobel Symposia, the inspiration behind his research on the Nobel Prize, and what makes this prestigious award unique. Paul also introduces the concept of "canon formation from the side," highlighting the Prize’s cultural influence on literature. Finally, we dive into his thoughts on the Swedish Academy’s “culture of secrecy” in administering the Nobel Prize in Literature.