Louw, N. P. van Wyk (1906-1970), was an outstanding South African writer and critic. He wrote poetry in the Afrikaans language and is considered the greatest poet in Afrikaans. Louw also wrote critical works on Afrikaans literature (see Afrikaans language). Louw's narrative poem "Raka" and his play Germanicus are masterpieces of Afrikaans literature. His many essays have reshaped Afrikaans literary criticism and had a strong influence on South African thought.