13 Facts About Peter Englund

Peter Mikael Englund was born on 4 April 1957 and is a Swedish author and historian.

Peter Englund focuses on writing non-fiction books and essays, mostly about the Swedish Empire and other historical events.

Peter Englund's works have been translated into multiple languages, including German and Czech.

From 2009 to 2015, Peter Englund served as the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, before being succeeded by Sara Danius.

Peter Englund was born in Boden and studied a preparatory course for the caring professions for two years and then humanistic subjects for another two years in secondary school.

Peter Englund was then conscripted and served 15 months in the Swedish Army at the Norrbotten Regiment located in Boden.

Peter Englund was politically active in his youth and supported the National Front for the Liberation of Vietnam.

Peter Englund studied archaeology, history, and theoretical philosophy at Uppsala University, completing a bachelor's degree in 1983, after which he began doctoral studies in History.

Peter Englund was elected a member of the Swedish Academy in 2002.

In 2009, Peter Englund "criticized the jury panel as being too 'Eurocentric'" and "told the Associated Press that it was easier for Europeans to relate to European literature".

On 6 April 2018, Peter Englund announced that he would no longer participate in the Academy's work.

On 10 January 2019, Peter Englund announced on his blog that he and fellow Academy member Kjell Espmark would be returning as active members of the Academy.

Peter Englund stated that continued work to renew the Academy has now reached a point that it must be done from within.