Stories of Dordrecht (no. 38): The Letters of Dordrecht

De Dordtse Letteren 1572-2019 gives a concise overview of literary life in the course of the centuries. In the 16th century, a number of printers and booksellers from the Southern Netherlands settled in Dordrecht, which thus became an important centre of the book trade. In the first half of the 17th century, the literary life was at its peak with writers such as Johan van Beverwijck, Peter van Godewijck and his daughter Margaretha. Jacob Cats also spent some time in Dordrecht in those days. Many writers had ties with the Latin School. After 1670, a decline followed, but in the course of the 18th century we see a turnaround, partly due to the influence of Enlightenment ideas and the creation of various societies such as Concordia et Labore. By the end of the 19th century, Dordrecht had authors of national stature, such as Jacques Perk, Jan Veth, Top Naeff and Marie Schmitz. Naturally, in this booklet, written by Kees Klok, Kees Buddingh' and Jan Eijkelboom are also discussed extensively.