Novel
Ernest Staas, advocaat : Schetsen en beelden
Not translated into English
Anton Bergmann · 1874
Opening lines
Ik had dien dag vervelende processen onderzocht, lange brieven nagezien, verdrietige wetboeken doorbladerd, en bevond mij gelukkig eindelijk in mijnen breeden leunstoel een weinig rust te genieten.
That day I had examined tedious lawsuits, gone over long letters and leafed through dreary law books, and I was glad at last to be enjoying a little rest in my broad armchair.
Translation by Erostrate
Text quoted from dbnl.org
Synopsis
A provincial lawyer tells the story of his life in detached scenes, in series of three: three images of the past, the good aunt, dear Bertha, poor Wilhelm; three sketches of youth, from school to student life in Ghent and the doctorate in law; three memories of his traineeship; three impressions of the first years at the bar; then later acquaintances and a trial brought by the public prosecutor's office. The narrator mocks himself as much as others.
Context
The book appeared in 1874, in Ghent from Hoste and in The Hague from Nijhoff, with etchings by Willem Geets, at the moment when its author was dying: Nicolaas Beets, who then held first rank in Dutch letters, sent him a letter of praise that he never received. The quinquennial prize for Dutch literature for 1870-1874 was awarded to him by royal decree of 17 June 1875. The text is largely autobiographical.
Who it is for
A short book, made of detached pieces that can be read in any order; it was translated into French as early as 1886, then into German.
Prizes and reception
Awarded posthumously the State prize; the book has remained read in Flanders, up to a centenary edition in 1974.
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