Nieuw ontdekte oorlogsdagboeken van August Vermeylen

August Vermeylen, a Flemish writer, art historian, and politician, was not only known for his essays and novels but also for being an avid diarist. In a diary entry on September 12, 1939, he writes, "Today I turn 67 and find it a reason to keep another diary." Despite his prolific career, few are aware of Vermeylen's extensive collection of diaries. This is the first-ever publication of three notebooks that cover the period of World War II. These diaries shed light on Vermeylen's writing, his professional network, his relationships with friends and loved ones, and the daily life during the occupation. Furthermore, they provide a glimpse into the thoughts of an artistic mind and leading intellectual. The entries are eloquently crafted, challenging, and at times, deeply moving. These personal records hold immense significance for Dutch literary history and the socio-cultural history of Belgium.

'Ik word vandaag 67 en vind daarin een aanleiding om weer een dagboek te houden'

On September 12, 1939, August Vermeylen, a Flemish writer, art historian, and politician, notes in his diary, "Today I turn 67 and find it a reason to keep another diary." While Vermeylen is renowned for his essays and novels, his extensive collection of diaries remains largely unknown. This publication marks the first-ever release of three notebooks that span the period of World War II. Through these diaries, we gain insights into Vermeylen's writing, his professional connections, his interactions with friends and loved ones, and the day-to-day experiences of living under occupation. Moreover, they offer a window into the thoughts and inner world of an artistic genius and influential intellectual. The entries are expressed with clarity, wit, and emotion, often challenging the reader's perspective. These personal testimonies hold great importance in shaping the history of Dutch literature and the socio-political narrative of Belgium.