Alfred Karl Kossmann
author
Alfred Karl Kossmann (1922–1998) was a Dutch writer, critic, and art editor. He debuted in 1943 with the poetry collection 'De dansschool'. During World War II, he worked as an forced laborer in Germany before returning to the Netherlands after the war. From 1953 to 1968, he served as an art editor and critic for 'Het Vrije Volk', covering theater, film, and literature. He was known for his prose works, which often featured a magical-realist influence and a characteristic ironic undertone. His notable literary contributions include the novel 'Geur der droefenis' (1980) and various non-fiction works regarding Rotterdam's history and maritime culture.[1,2]
- magical realism
- irony
- maritime history
- literary criticism
Books
Works by Alfred Karl Kossmann
- 1959 Rotterdam, stad en haven Text by Alfred Kossmann; photography by Frits J. Rotgans.
- 1950 De nederlaag Describes his experiences as a forced laborer in Germany.
- 1980 Geur der droefenis Considered one of his best works.
Awards
- 1951 Lucy B. en C.W van der Hoogt-prijs
- 1980 Constantijn Huygens-prijs
- 1996 Libris Literatuurprijs