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Juhan SmuulPeople's writer of Estonia, author of the widely known diary of his journey to Antarctica, 'The Ice Book'.
Date of Birth: 18.02.1922
Country:  Estonia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service and Literary Career
- Literary Success and Recognition
- Travel Writing and Expeditions
- Awards and Honors
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Johan Smuul was born on February 18, 1922, in the village of Koguva on the Estonian island of Muhu to a family of fishermen and farmers. After completing elementary school in 1936, he worked in fishing and agriculture.
Military Service and Literary Career
In 1941, Smuul was drafted into the Red Army but was not sent to the front due to health issues. He was demobilized in 1944 and began his literary career as a staff writer for the Estonian newspaper "Rahva Hääl" ("Voice of the People"). He later served as deputy editor of the newspaper "Sirp ja Vasar" ("Sickle and Hammer") and editor of the magazine "Pioneer" in Tallinn.
Literary Success and Recognition
Smuul published his first collection of poems, "Severe Youth," in 1946. His other notable works include the poems "Son of the Storm," "What the Fisherman Said," and "Brigade of Boys from Jervesuu," which celebrated the labor enthusiasm of rural power station builders. Smuul also wrote the satirical-grotesque play "Life of Penguins" ("Before the Arrival of Foxes") and the anti-bourgeois plays "Colonel's Widow, or Doctors Know Nothing" and "Year of Kihnu Island - Wild Captain."
Travel Writing and Expeditions
Smuul was an avid traveler who participated in various expeditions around the world. His experiences inspired his non-fiction books, including "Letters from the Village of Sygedate" and "Japanese Sea, December." However, Smuul's most famous travel writing is his memoir "Ice Book" (1958), which chronicles his expedition to Antarctica.
Awards and Honors
Smuul received numerous awards and honors for his literary contributions, including the Stalin Prize (1952), the Lenin Prize (1961), the title of People's Writer of the Estonian SSR (1965), and the Order of Lenin (1967).
Death and Legacy
Johan Smuul died on April 13, 1971, in Tallinn. He remains a beloved and celebrated author in Estonia, and his works continue to be read and enjoyed by generations of readers.
