Eduard Douwes Dekker, known by his pen name Multatuli, was a renowned Dutch writer born on March 2, 1820, in Amsterdam. He is best remembered for his satirical novel Max Havelaar, which condemns the abuses of Dutch colonialism in the East Indies, particularly the exploitation of the Javanese people. Multatuli s writings were groundbreaking for their social and political critique, and his works had a significant influence on Dutch literature and the broader social discourse surrounding colonialism. He is often regarded as one of the greatest authors of the Netherlands. In his personal life, Multatuli had two marriages, first to Everdine van Wijnbergen (1846-1874) and later to Maria Frederika Cornelia Hamminck Schepel (1875-1887). He had several children, including Pieter Jan Constant Eduard Douwes Dekker and Elisabeth Agnes Everdina Douwes Dekker. Multatuli's life, marked by his deep disillusionment with colonial politics, was filled with both personal and professional challenges. He passed away on February 19, 1887, in Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany, leaving behind a legacy of powerful works that continue to be celebrated for their bold critique of societal injustices.
