Arend Fokke Simonsz (3 July 1755 – 15 November 1812) was a Dutch writer and intellectual.
Biography
Arend Fokke Simonsz was born to Simon and Cornelia Fokke. Simonsz is best remembered as a writer, but was also an important figure in the literary world at the end of the eighteenth century. He had for some time a publishing house and was a member of many
literary societies
A literary society is a group of people interested in literature. In the modern sense, this refers to a society that wants to promote one genre of writing or a specific author. Modern literary societies typically promote research, publish newsle ...
. One of his most famous works, ''Het toekomende jaar 3000'', is one of the earliest written examples of a utopia, and probably one of the first in Dutch literature.
Many of his books where critical analyses of current events and trends.
He had established himself as a critical observer, especially of the
French government
The Government of France (French: ''Gouvernement français''), officially the Government of the French Republic (''Gouvernement de la République française'' ), exercises executive power in France. It is composed of the Prime Minister, wh ...
at the time. Though not illegal, this critical view brought him into the close eye of the authorities.
[Jenson, Lotte]
"Biografisch Woordenboek van Nederland: 1780–1830"
'' Huygens ING'', 12 November 2013. Retrieved on 6 May 2016.
He died at the age of 57 in Amsterdam.
Bibliography
* ''Dichtlievende mengelingen'' (1783)
* ''De moderne Helicon'' (1792)
* ''Het toekomende jaar 3000'' (1792)
* ''Cathechismus der Weetenschappen, schoone Kunsten en fraaije Letteren'' (1794–1802)
* ''Proeve van een ironiesch-comiesch woordenboek'' (1797)
* ''Het onscheidbaar drietal redenwezens verlichting, deugd en tijd'' (1799)
* ''Dorus of het wonderwind'' (1808)
* ''Boertige reis door Europa'' (1794–1806)
References
External link
{{DEFAULTSORT:Simonsz, Arend Fokke
18th-century Dutch writers
1755 births
1812 deaths
Writers from Amsterdam