Jan van Boendale


Jan van Boendale, formerly sometimes known as Jan De Klerk was a 14th-century secretary of the city of Antwerp and author of narrative and didactic verse. He was an influential official in Antwerp. Two of his works, Brabantsche yeesten and Der leken spieghel, are listed in the Canon of Dutch Literature compiled by the Digital Library for Dutch Literature.

Life

Jan was born in Boendale, near Tervuren, near the end of the 13th century. He moved to Antwerp, where he became secretary to the city council, and lived there until his death around 1351. He undertook a number of diplomatic missions on behalf of the city of Antwerp or of the States of Brabant, and in 1332 was present in the entourage of John III, Duke of Brabant, at Heylissem.

Works

  • Brabantsche yeesten
  • Der leken spieghel
  • Jans Testeye
  • Van den derden Eduwaert
  • ''Die dietsche doctrinale''