Maerlant, Jacob van (1225–1291)

Flemish poet. His translations of courtly romances reveal an artistry and technique superior to that of most renderings. Later he compiled encyclopedic manuals in verse on natural history, the Bible, and world history. They included Der Natueren Bloeme, the Rijmbijbel, and Spieghel Historiael, unfinished at his death. He also wrote poetry, expressing deep moral indignation at the decline in social and religious life in fine, rugged verse forms.