Juhan Smuul

Born: 1922-02-18

Biography

Juhan Smuul (February 18, 1922 – April 13, 1971) was an Estonian writer. Until 1954 he used the given name Johannes Schmuul.

Smuul was born in Koguva village on the island of Muhu to Jüri and Ruudu Schmuul (née Tuulik). He had three older sisters: Salme, Linda, and Liisa and one younger sister, Aliide, as well as six half-siblings from his father's first marriage.

He wrote several novels, often based on life in his native island. He also authored several travelogues. His most famous is The Frozen Book (Jäine raamat), about a Soviet expedition to Antarctica. Smuul also wrote four screenplays. They are: Kirjad Sõgedate külast (1966), Keskpäevane praam (1967), Metskapten (1971), Siin me oleme! (1979) (TV)