The 2011 Nobel Prize in literature was awarded Thursday to Tomas Transtromer, a Swedish poet whose surrealistic works about the mysteries of the human mind won him acclaim as one of the most important Scandinavian writers since World War II.

The Swedish Academy said it recognized the 80-year-old poet "because, through his condensed, translucent images, he gives us fresh access to reality."

Transtromer has been a perennial favorite for the 10 million kronor ($1.5 million) award, and in recent years Swedish journalists have waited outside his apartment in Stockholm on the day the literature prize was announced.

Transtromer's most famous works include the 1966 "Windows and Stones," in which he depicts themes from his many travels and "Baltics" from 1974.

His works have been translated into more than 50 languages and influenced poets around the globe, particularly in North America.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

STOCKHOLM (AP) _ The Swedish Academy says Swedish poet Tomas Transtromer has won the 2011 Nobel Prize in literature.

The academy said it awarded the 80-year-old poet "because, through his condensed, translucent images, he gives us fresh access to reality."