(1948 – 2017) studied literature, drama and cinema direction in Paris. He is one of the most unique and intimate poets of his generation and a prolific translator of French literature. Palsson has won numerous awards for his work. He received Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1990.

“Palsson writes with a stylistic lightness of touch that makes him a pleasure to read. By endowing everyday events and situations with an engaging romantic air he brings his childhood years to life without ever stumbling into sentimentalism or affectation.”
VIDSJA, ICELANDIC NATIONAL RADIO

AWARDS

2017 – The May Star, the Writers‘ Union of Iceland and the National and University Library poetry prize: Ljóð muna rödd (Poetry Remembers Voice)
2016 – The Knight’s Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon, for his contribution to Icelandic literature and culture
2016 – The Jónas Hallgrímsson Award
2009 – Gríman, the Icelandic Theatre Award: Utan gátta (Play of the year)
2009 – Gríman, the Icelandic Theatre Award: Utan gátta (Playwrite of the year)
2008 – Chevalier de l´Ordre du Mérite: For his valuable contribution to introducing French culture in Iceland
2007 – The Icelandic Literary Prize: Minnisbók
1999 – The National Broadcasting Service´s Writer´s Prize
1990 – Named Chavelier de l´Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (A Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government.
1987-1990 – Reykjavík City Artist

NOMINATIONS

2017 – The Icelandic Translators‘ Award: Uppljómanir & Árstíð í helvíti (Illuminations & Une saison en enfer) by Arthur Rimbaud (with Sölvi Björn Sigurðsson)
2016 – The Icelandic Literature Prize: Ljóð muna rödd (Poetry Remembers Voice)
2001 – The Icelandic Literature Prize: Ljóðtímaleit
1995 – The Icelandic Literature Prize: Ljóðlínuskip
1994 – The Nordic Council´s Literary Prize: Ljóð námu völd