Dutch Literature

The literature of the Netherlands really begins with the Flemish version of Reynard the Fox, translated from the French by one Willem, about the middle of the 13th century. Then followed the usual round of romantic, didactic and popular writings, until the nationality of the Dutch made itself felt not only in politics but in letters, and in Vondel (1587-1679) reached the level of genius. Vondel's Lucifer appeared more than a decade before Milton's Paradise Lost, and is thought by some critics to have had distinct influence upon the English epic. In modern times Dutch writers have turned with conspicuous succe to the novel.