Guido Gezelle (1830-1899) is one of the most important poets in the Dutch language area. He was born in Brugge in the province of West Flanders, where he also spent most of his life. He became a priest in 1854, and worked as a teacher and priest in Brugge and Kortrijk.

His poetry was inspired by nature and religion. He was influenced by the Flemish movement and tried to develop an independent Flemish language.

Works

• Kerkhofblommen (1858)
• Vlaemsche Dichtoefeningen (1858)
• Kleengedichtjes (1860)
• Gedichten, Gezangen en Gebeden (1862)
• Tijdkrans (1893)
• Rijmsnoer (1897)
• Laatste Verzen (1901)