Bob Dylan receives Nobel Prize in literature

Stockholm, April 2 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan finally received his Nobel Prize in literature at a private ceremony in Stockholm, according to a statement posted online by the head of the Swedish Academy.

The presentation on Saturday came five months after the academy announced Dylan, 75, was the winner and more than three months after the formal award ceremony, which Dylan didn't attend because of "pre-existing commitments", CNN reported.

But Dylan was in Stockholm this weekend to perform concerts and the private ceremony was arranged.

However, it was not not known what Dylan had to say about the award. Swedish media reported no cameras were present at the ceremony.

There were no comments made to the media by Dylan, or any member of the academy, either before or after the event.

Upon the announcement of Dylan's award in October, the academy's permanent secretary, Sara Danius, said Dylan "is a great poet in the English-speaking tradition", drawing parallels between his work and that of ancient Greek poets.

Saturday, she issued the following statement on Dylan's receipt of the award, reports CNN.

"Earlier today (Saturday) the Swedish Academy met with Bob Dylan for a private ceremony in Stockholm, during which Dylan received his gold medal and diploma. Twelve members of the Academy were present. Spirits were high. Champagne was had."

Dylan -- the first songwriter to win a Nobel Prize -- was acknowledged by the Swedish Academy "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition."