About Per Olof Sundman
Lived 1922 – 1992 (aged 70). Per Olof Sundman was a Swedish writer and politician.
Per Olof Sundman (4 September 1922, Vaxholm – 9 October 1992, Stockholm) was a Swedish writer and politician.
Sundman was born in Vaxholm. After World War II, Sundman joined the Centre Party and in 1969 he was elected to the Swedish Parliament, the Riksdag.
Per Olof Sundman released his first book in 1957 and soon became a successful writer, even internationally. His writing has been compared to that of Ernest Hemingway. In 1968, Sundman received the Nordic Council's Literature Prize for his 1967 novel Ingenjör Andrées luftfärd (The Flight of the Eagle) about the failed attempt of S.A. Andrée to reach the North Pole by a hydrogen balloon.
In 1975 Sundman was elected to the Swedish Academy, on seat 6. Tomas Riad currently holds his seat.
His 1967 novel Flight of the Eagle was filmed and directed by Jan Troell, and released in 1982. The film starring Max von Sydow was in 1983 nominated for an Oscar for best foreign-language film of the year.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Per Olof Sundman?
Swedish politician (1922-1992)
When was Per Olof Sundman born?
Per Olof Sundman was born on 4 September 1922 in Vaxholms church parish.
When did Per Olof Sundman die?
Per Olof Sundman died on 9 October 1992 in Stockholm, Kungsholm parish.
What was Per Olof Sundman's occupation?
Per Olof Sundman was a writer and politician.
What nationality was Per Olof Sundman?
Per Olof Sundman was Swedish.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Per Olof Sundman. https://biography.guide/per-olof-sundman/
MLA: "Per Olof Sundman." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/per-olof-sundman/.
Chicago: "Per Olof Sundman." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/per-olof-sundman/.
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