# Multatuli

> Dutch author (1820-1887)

**Wikidata**: [Q154211](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q154211)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multatuli)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/multatuli

## Summary
Multatuli (born Eduard Douwes Dekker) was a Dutch author (1820–1887) best known for his 1860 novel *Max Havelaar*, which played a key role in modifying Dutch colonial policy. His work exposed the brutal realities of colonialism, influencing global perceptions of imperialism.

## Biography
- Born: March 2, 1820, in Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Nationality: Dutch
- Education: Studied at Barlaeus Gymnasium in Amsterdam
- Known for: Authoring *Max Havelaar*, a landmark critique of colonialism
- Employer(s): Worked as a civil servant in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia)
- Field(s): Literature, social critique

## Contributions
- **Max Havelaar (1860)**: A novel that exposed the exploitative practices of Dutch colonialism in the East Indies, leading to reforms in Dutch colonial policy. The book’s success forced the Dutch government to address systemic abuses, marking a turning point in the country’s colonial practices.
- **Literary Critique of Colonialism**: Multatuli’s work challenged European perceptions of colonialism, influencing global discussions on imperialism and human rights.

## FAQs
**What was Multatuli’s most famous work?**
Multatuli’s most famous work was *Max Havelaar* (1860), a novel that exposed the brutal realities of Dutch colonialism in the East Indies, leading to reforms in Dutch colonial policy.

**Where did Multatuli work?**
Multatuli worked as a civil servant in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) before becoming a writer.

**How did Multatuli influence Dutch colonial policy?**
His novel *Max Havelaar* exposed the exploitative practices of Dutch colonialism, prompting the Dutch government to reform its policies and address systemic abuses.

## Why They Matter
Multatuli’s *Max Havelaar* was a groundbreaking critique of colonialism that forced the Dutch government to confront its exploitative practices. His work influenced global perceptions of imperialism and human rights, leaving a lasting impact on literature and social reform. Without his novel, Dutch colonial policies might have remained unchanged, perpetuating injustice in the East Indies.

## Notable For
- Author of *Max Havelaar*, a novel that exposed Dutch colonial abuses and influenced reforms.
- A pioneer in using literature to challenge colonialism and imperialism.
- Recipient of the Multatuli Award, a Dutch literary prize named in his honor.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Multatuli was born Eduard Douwes Dekker on March 2, 1820, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He attended Barlaeus Gymnasium, where he developed an interest in literature and social issues.

### Career and Civil Service
Before becoming a writer, Multatuli worked as a civil servant in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). His experiences in colonial administration shaped his later critiques of imperialism.

### Literary Career
Multatuli’s most notable work was *Max Havelaar* (1860), a novel that exposed the brutal realities of Dutch colonialism. The book’s success forced the Dutch government to reform its colonial policies, marking a significant shift in Dutch imperial practices.

### Influence and Legacy
Multatuli’s *Max Havelaar* remains a landmark in literature and social critique. His work influenced global discussions on colonialism and human rights, leaving a lasting impact on literature and social reform. The Multatuli Award, established in his honor, continues to recognize outstanding literary contributions.

### Personal Life
Multatuli died on February 19, 1887, in Amsterdam. His legacy endures through his writings, which continue to be studied and celebrated for their critique of colonialism and imperialism.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Catalog of the German National Library
3. Dutch National Monument List
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. [Source](https://www.literairgent.be/lexicon/multatuli)
6. The Fine Art Archive
7. Library of the World's Best Literature
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. [Digital Library for Dutch Literature](https://www.dbnl.org/letterkunde/enquete/enquete_dbnlmnl_21062002.htm#10)
12. [Source](http://www.archiefbank.be/dlnk/AE_12836)
13. Eduard Douwes Dekker. Biografisch Portaal
14. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
15. Find a Grave
16. Babelio
17. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
18. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
19. Roglo
20. Proleksis Encyclopedia
21. Source
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index3.html)
24. CONOR.SI
25. CERL Thesaurus
26. Open Library
27. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
28. LIBRIS. 2012
29. [Source](http://data.advn.be/id)