Ferdinand Bordewijk (1884-1965) made his prose debut in an unusual genre uncommon for the Netherlands - three compilations of Fantastische vertellingen (‘Fantastic Narratives’).

The three subsequent short novels Blokken (1931), Knorrende beesten (1933) and Bint (1934) secured his reputation forever as an author of exceptionally original prose, with its short sentences and abrasive style. In 1957 he received the Constantijn Huygens Award for his entire oeuvre.