Literature books catalogue

25,453 items

Literature refers to writings that are considered literature. As an exception, secondary literature specifically related to literature may also be included. More

Literature refers to writings that are considered literature. They are texts that can be valued as works of art for various reasons. In the past people often talked about fine arts or belles-lettres. It often concerns (invented) prose, poetry or plays, but sometimes also other genres, such as essays or (auto)biographies. There is no comprehensive definition of the literature referred to here. The concept is always subject to change.
Nevertheless, there is a consensus about a large number of works from the past, which has been going on for decades, for example about the work of the Dutch-language writers Multatuli or Guido Gezelle. More recently in the Netherlands, for example, the works of WF Hermans and Hugo Claus were regarded as Dutch literature.
Nowadays people here tend to include the cartoons of Marten Toonder and the novels of the prolific writer Herman Brusselmans as literature.

Exceptionally, secondary literature (books about literature or literary writers) specifically related to literature may also be included.

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Number of books

25,453

Number of related items

Oldest item

Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories and Tragedies [First Folio] (1623)