Eybers, Elisabeth (1915–)

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Eybers, Elisabeth (1915–)

South African poet. Born Feb 26, 1915, in Klerksdorp, South Africa; studied at University of Witwatersrand; m. Albert Wessels, 1937 (div. 1961); children: 4.

The 1st Afrikaans woman to win the Hertzog Prize (1943), began career as a journalist; writings, which examine the lives of women and draw imagery from religion and mythology, include Beleidenis in die Skemering (1936), Die Stil Avontuur (1939), Balans (1962), Kruis of Munt (1973), Voetpad van Verkenning (1978), Dryfsand (1985), Noodluik (1989), Respyt (1993), and Verbruikersverse/ Consumers' Verse (1997); compiled English translation of own verse The Quiet Adventure (1948). Other awards include CNA Literature Prize (1973), Louis Luyt Prize (1983), and Old Mutual Prize (1989).

See also Ena Jansen, Afstand en verbintenis-Elisabeth Eybers in Amsterdam (Amsterdam U. Press, 1998).