Portal:Literature/Biography archive/2007, Week 18

Juhan Liiv (30 April 1864–1 December 1913) is one of Estonia's most famous poets. Liiv achieved success in 1894 when his first short story, Vari (The Shadow), was published. Many of Liiv's poems are dominated by a sense of gloom, probably brought on by his mental illnesses, poverty and lack of human friendships. The few poems with a less ominous tone describe nature and Liiv's adoration for his country. The Juhan Liiv Prize for Poetry was founded in 1965. It is awarded by the parish of Alatskivi on 30 April every year. The prize is a leather shepherd's bag hand-made by a local artist.