- Introduction: The melancholy in my May- May- Herman Gorter (1864-1927)- AcknowledgmentsSoftcover, illustrated, bilingual.Herman Gorter's masterpiece 'May' describes the magical journey of adolescence, the springtime of our lives, against the background of Holland’s flowery dunescapes.'May' describes the magical journey of adolescence against the background of Holland’s flowery dunescapes. In strokes of wonder-filled impressions a stunningly unspoiled girl, May, explores the promise of springtime and the intense spiritual life of youth. However, the cycle of life always moves on, and as May matures and returns to earth, she finds it readying for summer. When Herman Gorter published 'Mei' ('May') in 1889, this spontaneous and vibrant epic poem was immediately recognized by his peers as a landmark work for Dutch literature. Mei was perhaps an inevitable product of the artistically revolutionary and highly lucid spirit in The Netherlands of the 1880s. While Gorter’s contemporary, Vincent Van Gogh, had just completed the groundbreaking 'Sunflowers' series of paintings, Gorter succeeded with Mei to compose his own artistic monument of colourful power and innovation.After 132 years, Herman Gorter's classic Dutch masterpiece 'May' is now available to the English reader. An interpretation from the heart, this illustrated translation celebrates the carefree springtime of our lives. The original text 'Mei' is included. 'The reader is drawn almost breathlessly onward through magnificent word-groups ... full of surprising turns of phrase ... Before you know it, you'll be reading it out loud!' - Lloyd Haft, poet'The translation has been done meticulously ... with an intensity of language which reveals intuitive clarity of vision and profound empathy ... I recommend that you begin this journey without loss of time.' - Anne Walter, editor, ex. Birmingham University