The poetry book Blódhófnir ("Bloodhoof") by Gerdur Kristný and Sveppabókin (“The Mushroom Book”) by Helgi Hallgrímsson received the 2010 Icelandic Literary Award at a special ceremony at Bessastadir, the presidential residence, on Wednesday.

The award was granted for the 22nd time on Wednesday. Blódhófnir was considered the best book in the category of fiction/belles-lettres and Sveppabókin was awarded in the non-fiction/science literature category, Fréttabladid reports.

Kristný said she hadn’t expected the award. “All the good responses which the book received were surprising. In light of that, I wasn’t really surprised that the book was nominated but I didn’t expect to get the award.” Blódhófnir is the fifth poetry book to be awarded.

Hallgrímsson said the award is a pleasing ending point of a project which has taken decades. He began studying mushrooms around 1960 and started writing the book approximately 20 years ago.

Sveppabókin is the fifth natural science book to receive the Icelandic Literary Award. Hallgrímsson pointed out that much material is still uncovered.

“There are so many books missing, for example on lichens, moss and algae. Hopefully the award will garner further interest in natural sciences among readers,” he said.

Click here to read about other nominations for the 2010 Icelandic Literary Award.