Hugo Claus, born in Belgium on 5 April 1929, is a leading contemporary Flemish poet, dramatist, novelist, and film writer.
His first novel, “The Duck Hunt” (1951) brought public recognition. At the same time, he was writing experimental verse such as that in “De Oostakkerse Gedichten” (Poems from Oostakker, 1955).
Claus's first play, “A Bride in the Morning” was performed in 1954. Later works, such as the novel “De Verwondering” (1962) show his success in integrating experimental and traditional styles.