Kirjanduse auhindamised Eestis 1918–1940
Literary Awards in Estonia 1918–1940

Summary/Abstract: During the first period of Estonian independence, from 1918 to 1940, the local literary awards were closely connected with political institutions. As the general supporting systems of culture were still developing the literary awards of the Estonian Cultural Endowment had in addition to the evaluation aspect of best works also the purpose to support authors financially and as such it could not satisfy the literary field. Literature gained much attention from the spectacular celebrations of the Estonian Book Year in 1936, which involved initiating and issuing of different awards, including prizes by local authorities and various companies. The only gender-oriented award in Estonian literary history also dates back to the 1930s, when the Feminine Club of Tallinn awarded their prize. The most important literary awards of the first Republic of Estonia, were the Literary Awards of Head of State (later of President). This was a recognition of the highest authority; the selection and proposals for awarding were made by a jury appointed by literary institutions, the final decision, however, was made by the head of state following the logic of the field of authority. “National” became the keyword while choosing the laureates for this prize and in several cases the decision of the appointed literary jury was not approved. Literary awards in these years often served the interests of national propaganda and government institutions; however, the winning authors and their works undoubtedly belong to the Estonian literary canon today.

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