[Nummer 13]
Editorial note to the reader
We present our readers with a special issue of the Vestdijkkroniek. Our sole author is dr. E.M. Beekman, professor in Germanic Languages at the University of Massachusetts.
He has send us this essay on Simon Vestdijk's theory of poetry in his own language. He is a great promotor of Dutch literature in the U.S.A. His knowledge of our literature and accordingly of our language is extensive. After only few hesitations we came to the conclusion that Beekman's penetrating analysis of Vestdijk as poet and critic of poetry ought to become available to a larger public. Therefore translating this essay into Dutch would be a mistake.
Beekman has an impressive grip on the literary production of Holland's most intriguing author of novels, short stories, poetry, critical and philosophical essays and books. His point of view is that Simon Vestdijk ranks with the top of our century's literairy geniuses, but is not known as such beyond a small circle of connoisseurs. Mr. Beekman is very much in touch with the intricacies of the universe-of-language, being himself a novelist and a translator.
In the second part of his essay, he gives proof of his sensitive qualities in translating Vestdijk's poetical language. We hope that our Dutch readers will find it stimulating to cross the Atlantic and then turn their eyes and ears to look at Vestdijk from afar and listen to what he had to say to an American. That could be rather refreshing. We could at least be curious about the impression that Vestdijk made on a man who does not live in Holland. It would be an antidote to our provincialism and squarisme (pleinachtigheid).
Dr. Beekman visited Holland last april. We had a pleasant opportunity to meet him at Mrs. Mieke Vestdijk's home in Doorn. He impressed us as rather unaware of all the smaller details and intrigues of contemporary Dutch literary activity. On the other hand he seemed very sensitive in respect to which authors were and are of importance across our national borders. Apart from a considerable erudition concerning the life and work of Simon Vestdijk, he shows great interest and insight in the importance of other authors like Multatuli, Couperus and Du Perron, who, according to his judgement, ought to be better known outside Holland.
Dr. Beekman was impressed, and even moved, to be received in the home were Mrs. Vestdijk and her two children - of which Dick resembles his father so much, when he was young - live. It is the same home where Vestdijk lived and worked for such a long period. He could even listen to Vestdijk's voice, reciting some of the poems that are dear to him. During this visit Beekman's spoken Dutch became effortless again. As a child he lived in Holland, so he must have overcome the problems of bi-lingual growing-up in a very productive way.
The essay consists of two separate parts: theory of poetry and practice of poetry. Part I may appeal to specialists in the first place, Part II could be of benefit for the layman as well. Those who, primarily, want to become better
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