Astrid Lindgren Archives
Documentary heritage submitted by Sweden and recommended for inclusion in the Memory of the World Register in 2005.
© National Library of Sweden
Astrid Lindgren's archive. Birthday greetings at her 80th birthday. Photographer: Jens Östman.
The Astrid Lindgren Archives document the work and influence of what is probably the world’s most renowned author of children’s books in the twentieth century. The archives were compiled by Astrid Lindgren herself and include nearly all of her original manuscripts (also a few early unpublished ones), short hand drafts, press clippings and an extensive collection of international correspondence.
Most of her books are regarded as classics and have already been read by generations of children and their parents. They transgress the boundaries of age, gender, geography and politics. They are also included in literary canons in their own right and on literary merit alone.
Astrid Lindgren was not only an outstanding author, recognized worldwide (her books translated into more than 85 languages) but also a courageous and ardent advocate for children’s rights. As such her influence went far beyond the educational and cultural spheres usually concerned with children’s literature. Many of her contributions to public debate found echo on the front pages of newspapers all over the world and she has influenced the attitude towards children and children’s rights in many countries. This is amply exemplified in the collection of letters and press clippings which give a unique insight into her public and private life during the second half of the twentieth century.