The humour of Holland

This lively anthology brings together a century‑old selection of Dutch wit, translated for English ears and introduced with a thoughtful essay on the nation’s literary temperament. From clever parables by Multatuli to wry sketches of village life by Conrad van der Liede, each piece offers a brief, pointed glimpse into the everyday absurdities of 19th‑century Holland. The accompanying illustrations by Dudley Hardy and others add a visual charm that complements the spoken word.

Listeners will encounter a rascally valet slipping through bureaucratic red tape, a self‑deprecating priest dispensing aphorisms, and a series of newspaper jokes that still feel surprisingly fresh. Interwoven with brief fables and witty epigrams, the collection reflects a culture that balances sober pragmatism with a sly, understated irony. Together, these snapshots form a picture of a land where windmills, cheese fields, and bustling canals provide the perfect stage for gentle, observational comedy.