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Document Details :

Title: Lang leve de dode dichter!
Subtitle: Schrijversherdenkingen en literaire fancultuur rond 1800
Author(s): JENSEN, Lotte
Journal: Spiegel der Letteren
Volume: 56    Issue: 3   Date: 2014   
Pages: 249-277
DOI: 10.2143/SDL.56.3.3040762

Abstract :
This article discusses literary fan culture around 1800 by focusing on the commemoration of four well-known Dutch authors: Lucretia Wilhelmina van Merken, Jan Fredrik Helmers, Adriaan Loosjes and Rhijnvis Feith. It is argued that societal and poetical aspects played a significant role in the volumes that were published in their honour. They were produced by relatively small, like-minded groups of authors, who shared similar poetical views. There are many differences with the celebrity culture of the second half of the nineteenth century, which was characterised by mass events and nationalism. Nevertheless, there are many similarities as well, such as aspects of community and identity building. Moreover, the stereotypical figure of the hysterical fan, who visits his or her idol, collects memorabilia and shapes his own (literary) identity by a mirroring-process, was prevalent around 1800. This is illustrated by the case study of poet Willem Hendrik Warnsinck, one of Feith’s most passionate admirers.

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