Kornél Döbrentei

writer, poet, journalist

Pestszentimre, 3 November 1946

Full member of the Hungarian Academy of Arts (2011–)

What first strikes the reader in the poetry of Kornél Döbrentei is the unparalleled dynamism of his verse, the sweep of images radiating immense intensity and expansiveness. His winding, multiply complex verse sentences seem as though they were representing a poetics of horror vacui: a designation cannot stand bare, without expansion; figurative expression seeks to convey a sense of totality.

Kossuth Prize

The highest Hungarian state decoration for the cultivation and preservation of Hungarian culture.

View award

2019

governmental award

Laurel Wreath Award of Hungary

Hungarian state award for those who have achieved outstanding performance in the field of Hungarian literature and already hold an artistic award granted by the minister responsible for culture.

View award

1994

governmental award

Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary

One of the four highest Hungarian state awards is the Hungarian Order of Merit, which is granted in various grades to individuals who perform exemplary activities in culture, science, art, or their own field, in order to advance Hungary’’s interests and promote universal human values.

View award

1993

governmental award

First Class Title of Merit for Defence, Civil Division

A decoration awarded by the Minister of Defence or the Chief of the Hungarian Defence Forces in multiple grades.

View award

1991

governmental award

József Attila Award

The highest state literary award for outstanding literary activity, awarded by the current Minister of Culture.

View award