The Nobel Prize in Literature honors some of the most influential and creative writers from around the world. It celebrates authors whose work has left a lasting impact on readers, culture, and society. But do you know which famous authors actually won this prestigious award? Many beloved writers have never received it, while some lesser-known names earned the prize. In this quiz, you’ll be given the names of well-known authors, and your challenge is simple: choose whether they won the Nobel Prize in Literature — or not.
It sounds easy, but don’t be fooled! Some authors you assume must have won never did — and some surprise winners might catch you off guard. The Nobel Prize, awarded annually since 1901, has gone to poets, novelists, playwrights, essayists, and storytellers from all corners of the globe. Its recipients include literary giants like Ernest Hemingway, Gabriel García Márquez, and Toni Morrison — but it has also famously passed over authors like Leo Tolstoy, James Joyce, and Virginia Woolf.
This quiz is a fun way to test your knowledge of literary history and explore the fascinating world of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Whether you’re a serious bookworm or a casual quiz fan, you’ll enjoy learning a few surprising facts along the way. Ready to see how well you can spot a Nobel laureate? Let’s begin!