Oviedo, Spain - Canadian author Margaret Atwood, 68, was Wednesday awarded the Prince of Asturias Prize, regarded as the Spanish Nobel, in the category of literature. Exploring literary genres with "wit and irony," Atwood "intelligently assumes the classical tradition, defends the dignity of women and denounces situations of social injustice," the jury said in Oviedo.
Atwood has written poetry as well as more than a dozen novels, ranging from The Edible Woman in 1969 to The Tent in 2006.
Awarded annually in eight categories, the Prince of Asturias Prize is worth 50,000 euros (77,000 dollars). It is traditionally presented in October by Crown Prince Felipe, who carries the title of Prince of Asturias, in Oviedo, capital of the northern region of Asturias.
