Hendrik Conscience

Hendrik Conscience
Hendrik Conscience (1812–1883) was a Belgian writer known as the "man who taught his people to read" because of his contributions to Flemish literature. He wrote over 100 novels, many in Dutch, and played a key role in popularizing the language during a time when French was dominant in Belgium. One of his most famous works is "The Lion of Flanders" (1838), a historical novel about the Battle of the Golden Spurs, which became a symbol of Flemish nationalism. Conscience's works often emphasized themes of patriotism, heroism, and rural life.

Author's Books:


CHAPTER I. Near the end of July, 1842, an open calèche might have been seen rolling along one of the three highways that lead from the frontiers of Holland toward Antwerp. Although the vehicle had evidently been cleaned with the utmost care, every thing about it betokened decay. Its joints were open, discolored, and weather-beaten, and it swung from side to side on its springs like a rickety skeleton.... more...

CHAPTER I. Previous to the close of the fifteenth century, the direction taken by European commerce remained unchanged. America had not been discovered, and the only known route to India was by land. Venice, enthroned by her central position as queen of commerce, compelled the nations of Europe and Asia to convey to her port all the riches of the world. One single city, Bruges in Flanders, serving as... more...