Ruysbroeck and the Mystics: With Selections From Ruysbroeck

Maurice Maeterlinck (1862-1949) was a Belgian playwright, poet, and essayist associated with the Symbolist movement. He was born in Ghent to a wealthy, French-speaking family. Maeterlinck initially studied law but quickly abandoned this path to pursue a literary career. His early work was influenced by the likes of Villiers de l'Isle-Adam and the morbid romanticism of Poe. Maeterlinck gained international acclaim for his play 'Pelléas et Mélisande' (1892), which was later adapted into an opera by Claude Debussy. His writing style is characterized by mystical themes, an emphasis on destiny and the unknown, and a focus on the inner lives of his characters. Maeterlinck's philosophical exploration of mysticism is evident in works such as 'Ruysbroeck and the Mystics: with selections from Ruysbroeck,' in which he reflects on the writings of the Flemish mystic John of Ruysbroeck, attempting to make the mystical thoughts accessible to the general public. Maeterlinck's oeuvre highlights a constant fascination with the ineffable and spiritual quest for meaning. For his significant contributions to literature, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1911. His works remain a testament to the Symbolist movement and have influenced a wide array of artists and writers in various genres.