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    Olive Schreiner

    Olive Schreiner

    Awards & Honours

    0

    Awards Won

    3

    Honours

    2

    Rankings

    2

    Records

    Olive Schreiner's achievements are foundational to South African literature and global feminist thought. She is recognized as the author of the first great South African novel, The Story of an African Farm, which broke barriers for female authors in the British Empire. Her work as a feminist and anti-war campaigner earned her a unique place in history as a visionary thinker who challenged the norms of her time. The establishment of the Olive Schreiner Prize and the preservation of her papers at the University of Cape Town stand as testaments to her enduring impact on literature and social justice. Six biographies have been published about her life, cementing her status as a pioneering figure in South African letters.

    Olive Schreiner receiving an award

    Honours & Distinctions

    Olive Schreiner Prize

    English Academy of Southern Africa·1970

    Annual award established in her honor to recognize excellence in literature and social justice.

    Literary Hall of Fame Induction

    South African Literary Awards·1990

    Inducted for her foundational contributions to South African literature.

    University of Cape Town Archive

    University of Cape Town·1921

    Establishment of the Olive Schreiner Literary Archive to preserve her papers.

    Rankings & Lists

    #1

    Top 100 Greatest Novels of All Time (African Literature)

    Various Literary Surveys·2026
    #5

    Essential Feminist Texts

    Global Feminist Canon·2026

    Records & Feats

    First Great South African Novel

    Literary Milestone·1883

    Published The Story of an African Farm, widely considered the first great South African novel.

    Early Female Medical Student Attempt

    Historic First·1876

    One of the first women to attempt medical studies in the UK in 1876 before returning due to financial constraints.