This year, the Golden Quill Award is awarded to Belgian author Bart van Loo. Former minister Jet Bussemaker, chair of the Academy, announced this on NPO Radio 1’s program De Taalstaat.
According to the jury, Van Loo’s engaging writing style reaches a wide audience. “Van Loo has a varied oeuvre, with a love for French cultural history as a common thread,” Bussemaker stated.
His book “De Bourgondiërs,” about a key dynasty in the Low Countries during the Middle Ages, has sold over 400,000 copies. The related podcast attracted over 8 million listeners, and Van Loo also produced theater shows in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France based on his books, including “In the Shadow of the Revolution,” about French Emperor Napoleon.
The Golden Quill is presented annually to a writer who has made a significant contribution to Dutch language and literature. The award ceremony will take place on April 2 at the Dutch Central Bank in Amsterdam.
Source: NOS