About
Georges Rodenbach (1855-1898) was a Belgian writer in French, a major figure of Symbolism. Born in Tournai, he studied in Ghent, where he befriended Émile Verhaeren. After a law degree, he briefly practiced as a lawyer in Brussels and co-founded the review La Jeune Belgique. Settling in Paris around 1887, he became a correspondent for the Journal de Bruxelles. His poetic work includes eight collections, including La Jeunesse blanche (1886) and Le Règne du Silence (1891). His novel Bruges-la-Morte (1892), considered his masterpiece, is the first novel illustrated with photographs. He died in Paris in 1898.
* 1855-07-16 — † 1898-12-25
Major works
- La Jeunesse blanche (1886)poetry collection
- Le Règne du Silence (1891)poetry collection
- Bruges-la-Morte (1892)novel
- La Vocation (1895)novel
- Le Carillonneur (1897)novel
Key milestones
- 1878Earned a doctorate in law from the University of Ghent.
- 1887Moved to Paris and became a correspondent for the Journal de Bruxelles.
- 1892Published Bruges-la-Morte, the first novel illustrated with photographs.
Themes
melancholysolitudeFlemish townsidealization of the pastdecadence
Sources: britannica.com · id.loc.gov