Fernand Brouez - (b. Wasmes 1861 – d. Brussels 1900) Founder of La Société Nouvelle (The New Society). First he edits the magazine with Belgian born Arthur James, whom he met at the 'Université Libre de Bruxelles' (Free University of Brussels) until 1889, and later with various other individuals. Second son of Jules Brouez and Victorine Sapin, Fernand and his older brother Paul both enrol at the ‘Université Libre de Bruxelles’, where Fernand proves to be failing his studies. He changes between philosophy, law and medicine and at age 29 has yet to place his candidacy for a doctorate. Fernand Brouez manages to surround himself by the elite of Belgian, international intellectuals and artists of the time. The namelist is more than impressive. He believes in socialism and social conscience. On 20 November 1884, the first edition of La Société Nouvelle is published, financed by father Jules Brouez. It will become the most important magazine on social issues, arts, sciences and literature of the epoch. Fernand Brouez's contribution to French speaking Europa remains unparalleled. He falls victim to syphilis, either by sexual contact, his future wife being a possible silent carrier given her past, or according to several credible sources, from a cut at a course in anatomy when studying medicine. In 1896 he marries Cornelia Hubertina Doff (1858-1942), the later Neel Doff. The character of André in her second book, ‘Keetje’ is no other than Fernand Brouez. Fernand Brouez was buried in the Brouez family vault at the Ixelles Cemetery on 3 July 1900.

[edit] References

- Fabrice Wilvers : La Société Nouvelle et L'Humanité Nouvelle, deux revues cosmopolites et pluralistes[1]. Mémoire de Licence en Sciences du Livre et des Bibliothèques, Faculté de Philosophie et Lettres, Section Infodoc, année académique 2001-2002, Université Libre de Bruxelles.

- Neel Doff : A Biography, Renée Linkhorn; Belgian Francophone Library, vol. 8, English translation of ‘Neel Doff’ by Évelyne Wilwerth.

- Neel Doff, leven na Keetje Tippel, written in Dutch by Eric Defoort.

- Keetje by Neel Doff.

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