The directory «Plots»

Timmermans Felix
(1886—1947)

One of the most popular Flemish writers, was born as 13th child in a family of 14 children on 5 July 1886 in Lier, Belgium. Like him, I was born in Lier so I am very familiar with his work. For most Flemish people, Lier (15km south of Antwerp) is known as the city of "PALLIETER". Pallieter is the name of a joyous fellow who represents the good and happy Flemish life and was immortalized by Felix Timmermans in his novel "Pallieter" which he wrote in 1916. Virtually everyone in Belgium will have read the book which was translated to English in 1924. Pallieter was a colourful character and later also featured in "Boerenpsalm" (Peasant Psalm, 1935), another massively popular novel. Lier, though a small city, boasts a number of famous artists that were born within its streets. Felix Timmermans is by far the best known and became a legend in his own time. During the course of the years he turned into a popular and prolific writer who found most of his inspiration in the life of the city of Lier from way back in time. "Fe" as he was sometimes called, received numerous literary awards and died on 24 January 1947 in his house in Lier. Timmermans also wrote several biographies, including one of St Francis of Assisi (the first person thought to have received the stigmata) in 1932 and the painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder in 1928.

Belgium, 1986, Felix Timmermans