Eduard Douwes Dekker (Multatuli)

The book is based on the author’s own experiences, and centres on a colonial official in the Dutch East Indies who combats the malpractices and abuses of power committed by Dutch administrators. This clear indictment of colonial rule dropped like a bombshell on Dutch society. The novel was read throughout Europe, and it was an inspiration to many people fighting for decolonisation. Multatuli became famous overnight, and the many images of himself that he published only increased his fame. Although other books by Multatuli were published throughout his career, it is Max Havelaar that remains one of the most important literary works in Dutch history.