the Dutch Literary Canon in 100 Works
This is one of the 759 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
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Iskander by Louis Couperus
The Hero of Alexandria
The novel follows the life of a charismatic and ambitious young conqueror who embarks on a series of military campaigns to expand his empire. As he navigates the complexities of leadership and warfare, he grapples with personal ambitions, the burdens of power, and the moral dilemmas that accompany his quest for glory. The story delves into themes of destiny, the fleeting nature of success, and the intricate interplay between personal desires and the greater good, painting a vivid portrait of a historical figure whose legacy continues to resonate through time.
The 4233rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Occupied City by Paul van Ostaijen
The book is a modernist exploration of the chaotic and surreal atmosphere in a city under occupation during World War I. Through a series of fragmented and vivid vignettes, it captures the disarray and tension experienced by its inhabitants, blending elements of poetry, prose, and visual art. The narrative delves into themes of alienation, absurdity, and the impact of war on everyday life, reflecting the disjointed reality of a society in turmoil. The work is notable for its experimental style and its ability to convey the psychological and emotional landscape of a city caught in the throes of conflict.
The 4233rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Vormen by Martinus Nijhoff
Een gedicht
"Vormen" is a collection of poetry that explores themes of identity, existence, and the human condition through a modernist lens. The poems are characterized by their innovative use of language and form, reflecting the poet's introspective journey and philosophical inquiries. The work delves into the complexities of personal and collective experiences, often juxtaposing the mundane with the profound, and invites readers to contemplate the deeper meanings behind everyday life. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflection, the collection captures the essence of a transformative era in literature.
The 4233rd Greatest Book of All Time -
Eva by Carry van Bruggen
Roman van de zinnen
The novel explores the inner life and emotional struggles of a young Jewish woman as she navigates the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and personal freedom in early 20th-century Europe. Through introspective narrative and vivid character development, the story delves into themes of self-discovery, cultural heritage, and the quest for individuality amidst the pressures of tradition and modernity. The protagonist's journey is marked by her search for meaning and connection in a world that often feels confining and contradictory, ultimately portraying a poignant and timeless exploration of the human condition.
The 4233rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Schuim En Asch by J.J. Slauerhoff
Een roman uit de zeventiende eeuw
The novel explores the tumultuous life of a restless protagonist who navigates the complexities of identity and belonging against the backdrop of colonial and maritime settings. Through a series of voyages and encounters, the character grapples with existential dilemmas and the transient nature of life, reflecting on themes of alienation and the search for meaning. The narrative is imbued with a sense of melancholy and introspection, capturing the protagonist's internal struggles and the fleeting beauty of the world around him.
The 4233rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
The Forbidden Kingdom by Jan Jacob Slauerhoff
A Novel of China
"The Forbidden Kingdom" is a historical fiction novel that intertwines the stories of two men, a 20th century sailor and 16th century Portuguese poet, Luis Camões. The narrative alternates between the two, exploring the sailor's obsession with the poet's life and the poet's experiences in the East, including his journey to Macao. The book delves into themes of identity, obsession, and the clash of Eastern and Western cultures.
The 1595th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Houtekiet by Gerard Walschap
of de weg naar het geluk
The novel explores the life and influence of a charismatic and enigmatic man who founds a small village in the Belgian countryside. Through his unconventional leadership and free-spirited nature, he attracts a diverse group of followers, each seeking a sense of belonging and purpose. The story delves into themes of community, individualism, and the tension between societal norms and personal freedom, as the village evolves and faces various challenges. The narrative ultimately reflects on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of one man's vision on the lives of those around him.
The 2128th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Captain Jan by Jan de Hartog
A Story of the Sea
The story follows a young Dutch boy who dreams of becoming a sea captain. Set in the early 20th century, the narrative captures his journey from a humble beginning in a small fishing village to navigating the challenges and adventures of life at sea. Through determination and resilience, he faces various trials, including harsh weather, personal loss, and the complexities of leadership, ultimately growing into a seasoned and respected captain. The tale explores themes of ambition, courage, and the transformative power of the sea.
The 4233rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Eric In The Land Of The Insects by Godfried Bomans
A Surreal Adventure
In this whimsical and imaginative tale, a young boy named Eric finds himself magically transported into the miniature world of insects after falling asleep while reading an encyclopedia. As he navigates this fascinating and often perilous environment, Eric encounters a variety of insect characters, each with their own unique personalities and societies. Through his adventures, he gains insights into the complexities and wonders of the natural world, while also reflecting on human nature and society. The story blends humor, fantasy, and a touch of satire, offering both entertainment and thoughtful commentary on the interconnectedness of life.
The 4233rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Will O' The Wisp by Willem Elsschot
A Novel of Antwerp
The book is a satirical exploration of the complexities and absurdities of human ambition and the pursuit of success. It follows the protagonist, a businessman, as he navigates the challenges of his professional and personal life, often encountering humorous and ironic situations. Through sharp wit and keen observations, the narrative delves into themes of greed, vanity, and the often futile nature of chasing one's dreams, ultimately offering a poignant commentary on the human condition.
The 2128th Greatest Book of All Time -
De Vuuraanbidders by Simon Vestdijk
roman uit het rijk der fabelen
The novel explores the complex dynamics of a small Dutch town during the early 20th century, focusing on the intertwined lives of its residents. Central to the story is the arrival of a mysterious stranger whose presence disrupts the community's status quo, leading to a series of events that reveal hidden desires, secrets, and conflicts among the townspeople. Through rich character development and intricate storytelling, the narrative delves into themes of passion, morality, and the struggle between tradition and change, ultimately painting a vivid portrait of human nature and societal tensions.
The 4233rd Greatest Book of All Time -
The Tears Of The Acacias by W.F. Hermans
The novel explores the disillusionment and moral ambiguity experienced during World War II through the story of a young Dutchman named Arthur Muttah. As he navigates the chaos and destruction of the war, Arthur encounters a series of morally complex situations that challenge his ideals and force him to confront the harsh realities of human nature. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, identity, and the futility of seeking meaning in a world torn apart by conflict, ultimately painting a bleak yet compelling portrait of a man's struggle to find his place amid the ruins of war.
The 4233rd Greatest Book of All Time -
The Garden Where the Brass Band Played by Simon Vestdijk
This novel explores the life of a young boy named Nol Rieske, who falls in love with the daughter of a bandmaster in a small Dutch town. As he grows older, he becomes a successful musician, but his obsession with the bandmaster's daughter, who is mentally ill, continues to dominate his life. The story is a detailed exploration of a man's lifelong infatuation and its profound impact on his personal and professional life.
The 1595th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Minuet by Louis-Paul Boon
or the Assassination of the Emperor
The novel is a poignant exploration of love, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships. It delves into the life of a man caught in a tumultuous affair with a young woman, which leads him to question his own desires and the nature of his commitments. Through vivid and introspective prose, the narrative examines the emotional turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by the characters, ultimately painting a vivid picture of the struggle between passion and responsibility. The story is set against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal introspection, offering a deep and thought-provoking commentary on the human condition.
The 4474th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Het Leven Is Verrukkulluk by Remco Campert
The book is a vibrant exploration of youth and freedom, set in Amsterdam during the 1950s. It follows a group of young friends as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. Through a series of spontaneous and often humorous adventures, the characters grapple with the tension between societal expectations and their desire for a carefree existence. The narrative captures the essence of a generation seeking meaning and joy in a rapidly changing world, highlighting the beauty and chaos of life.
The 4861st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Amsterdam Stories by Nescio
The book is a collection of poignant and introspective short stories that capture the essence of early 20th-century Amsterdam through the eyes of dreamers and idealists. It delves into the lives of young men grappling with the tension between their artistic aspirations and the mundane realities of everyday life. The narratives are imbued with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, reflecting on themes of youth, ambition, and the passage of time, while offering a vivid portrayal of the city and its changing landscape.
The 2768th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Omtrent Deedee by Hugo Claus
Een kleine roman
The book delves into the complexities of human relationships and the intricacies of personal identity through the story of a young girl named Deedee. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent family dynamic, the narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the search for self-understanding. As Deedee navigates the challenges of growing up, she encounters a series of events that force her to confront the realities of her world and the people in it. The story is rich with emotional depth and offers a poignant reflection on the struggles of finding one's place in a chaotic environment.
The 5009th Greatest Book of All Time -
Double Play by Frank Martinus Arion
The Story of Curaçao's National Pastime
The novel is set in Curaçao and revolves around a high-stakes game of dominoes played by four men, each representing different facets of the island's society. As the game unfolds, the narrative delves into the personal lives and struggles of the players, revealing themes of love, betrayal, and the socio-political tensions within the community. The story intricately weaves the personal and political, capturing the complexities of post-colonial identity and the impact of external influences on the island's culture and its people. Through the lens of this seemingly simple game, the novel explores deeper issues of power, loyalty, and the quest for personal and collective freedom.
The 5726th Greatest Book of All Time -
Verzamelde Gedichten by Lucebert
The collection is a profound exploration of post-war existentialism and modernist themes, characterized by its vivid imagery and innovative use of language. The poems delve into the complexities of human experience, often reflecting on themes of identity, society, and the tumultuous nature of the world. Through a blend of surrealism and raw emotion, the work challenges conventional poetic forms and invites readers to engage with its layered meanings and striking visual metaphors. The poet's voice is both rebellious and introspective, capturing the spirit of an era marked by transformation and introspection.
The 4606th Greatest Book of All Time -
A Flight Of Curlews by Maarten 't Hart
The novel unfolds in a small Dutch town, where a young boy named Maarten navigates the complexities of adolescence amidst the backdrop of World War II. As he grapples with the challenges of growing up, Maarten becomes increasingly aware of the tensions and secrets within his family and community. The story intricately weaves themes of innocence, loss, and the search for identity, capturing the poignant moments of a boy's journey to understanding the adult world around him. Through Maarten's eyes, the narrative explores the impact of war on personal lives and the enduring power of nature and memory.
The 2519th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
The Twins by Tessa De Loo
"The Twins" is a poignant narrative about twin sisters, separated at a young age due to the Second World War. One sister grows up in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation, while the other is raised in Germany as part of the Hitler Youth. After six decades of separation, they meet again and begin to share their experiences, discovering the impact of the war on their lives and the stark differences in their upbringing. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the long-lasting effects of war on individuals and families.
The 3270th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
dbnl, 121 Books
This list was compiled by the Digitale Bibliotheek voor de Nederlandse Letteren (dbnl) through a survey conducted among members of the Maatschappij der Nederlandse Letterkunde (Society for Dutch Literature), which includes a representative group of literary scholars, historians, writers, publishers, and publicists. The survey aimed to identify the most valuable and representative works in Dutch literature over time, effectively forming a Dutch literary canon. Participants were asked to nominate authors and titles they considered classics, as well as to highlight any unjustly forgotten works. Out of 1,485 questionnaires sent, 299 responses were received. The results revealed that Multatuli emerged as the most canonical author, particularly for his work "Max Havelaar", which frequently occupied the top position. Medieval literature was also well represented in the list, while the 18th century received comparatively less attention. The survey highlights ongoing discussions about the Dutch literary canon and emphasizes the importance of promoting Dutch literary heritage, with recommendations to make classic texts more accessible through modern media and education.
* Note: I removed a couple of items on this list because they were not books. There were songs
This list was originally published in 2002 and was added to this site over 1 year ago.
This list has a weight of 75%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.
Here is a list of what is decreasing the importance of this list:
- List: only covers 1 specific country
- Voters: are mostly from a single country/location
If you think this is incorrect please contact us.
- Number of Voters:
- 299
- Voter Count Unknown:
- No
- Voter Names Unknown:
- No
- High Quality Source:
- No
- Location Specific:
- Yes
- Category Specific:
- No