Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer
(Netherlands, 1968) is a classicist and writer. He has more than 40 titles to his name, including poetry, novels, short stories, plays, scientific studies, translations and anthologies. His work has earned many nominations and prizes, including the 2014 Libris Literature Prize for his novel La Superba, an ode to the city of Genoa, where he lives and works. In 2016 he published Brieven uit Genua (Letters from Genoa), an autobiography in letter format and the counterpart to La Superba, which also discusses the publication of the novel. Grand Hotel Europa (2018), a book about love in times of mass tourism, nostalgia, European identity, and a part of the world that has become a museum, was nominated for the 2019 Libris Literature Prize and translated into 10 languages. Pfeijffer never eschews debate, expressing himself in essays, columns and TV programs.
Past events
Dreaming Pays Off: the poetry of Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer
Pfeijffers' masterful use of language and inventive style - both daring and humorous - invite an interesting discussion about his poetic oevre. Of course he will also present his own work.
The Tale of Two Cities
Four writers, eight cities. In The tale of Two Cities, writers for whom "the city" has more than one face have their say.
Liberation in literature
How do characters and their creators, the writers, free themselves from oppressive restrictions? With Laila Abuzaid and Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer, and Anne-Sophie van Neste (host). In English.
Out of the bottomless foundations of this charnel kingdom
Poets Hans Verhagen, Maria Barnas, Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer and Frank Koenegracht read from their recent work. Presented by Ruben van Gogh. Dutch spoken.
Long live satirical poetry
Five poets each wrote a satirical poem on the Dutch character: Maria Barnas, Frank Koenegracht, Gerrit Komrij, Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer and Hans Verhagen. They breath new life into this literary tradition. Chaired by Joyce Roodnat. Dutch spoken.
