Juhan Smuul

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Monument to Juhan Smuul on Muhu.
Monument to Juhan Smuul on Muhu.

Juhan Smuul (18 February 1922 in Muhu island — 13 April 1971 in Tallinn) was an Estonian writer. Until 1954 he used the given name Johannes Schmuul.

[edit] Career

Smuul wrote several novels, often based on life in his native island. He also authored several travelogues. His most famous is The Frozen Book (Jäine Raamat), about a Soviet expedition to Antarctica. Smuul also wrote four screenplays. They are:

  • Kirjad Sõgedate külast (1966)
  • Keskpäevane praam (1967)
  • Metskapten (1971)
  • Siin me oleme! (1979) (TV)

He also worked in Soviet-Estonian journalism.

[edit] Recognition

Smuul was the official writer of the Soviet regime in Estonia, and was named People's Writer of the Estonian SSR in 1965. He was also awarded the Stalin Prize in 1952 and the Lenin Prize in 1961.

The State Prize of the Estonian SSR was named after him.

The Smuul family home, Tooma farm, located in Koguva village is a museum.