Het gevleugelde woord: geschiedenis van de Nederlandse literatuur 1400-1560 (Dutch Edition)

The book delves into an incredibly fascinating historical period, encompassing the rise of cities, the invention of the printing press, global exploration, and the Reformation. This era is highlighted as a time of immense intellectual growth, leading to a surge in new and re-evaluated texts. The author, Pleij, is recognized as a profound expert in this specific field, making him an exceptionally well-suited individual to write on this subject.

However, a significant drawback noted by reviewers is the book's writing style. The language is described as tough, dense, and cumbersome, which can make the text challenging to engage with. This stylistic choice is particularly disappointing for some readers, especially when compared to previous volumes in what appears to be a series, which were praised for their captivating and engaging prose.

In summary, while the book offers an authoritative exploration of a compelling and historically rich period from a leading expert, its dense and difficult prose may hinder the reading experience for some. This book would likely appeal most to readers who have a strong existing interest in the specific historical era and its intellectual developments, and who are prepared to engage with a challenging writing style.