author
E. (Eduard) Gerdes
1821–1898
A prolific Dutch writer for young readers, he blended lively historical storytelling with a strong Protestant Christian voice. He is also remembered for writing the much-loved hymn text "Er ruist langs de wolken een lieflijke Naam."
1 Audiobook
Jonker Willem van Arkel
by E. (Eduard) Gerdes
About the author
Born in Kleve on August 12, 1821, and later active in the Netherlands, Eduard Gerdes became known as an evangelist, hymn writer, and highly productive author of books for children and young people. Reference works and biographical sources describe him as a Dutch religious writer whose work was especially shaped by Protestant Christian belief.
Gerdes wrote a large number of youth books, many of them historical tales, including stories set around the Eighty Years' War. His writing was meant not only to entertain but also to instruct, which helps explain why his books were widely read in religious households and Sunday school circles.
He died in Doetinchem on December 12, 1898. Alongside his books, he remained well known for the hymn beginning "Er ruist langs de wolken een lieflijke Naam," which kept his name familiar to generations of Dutch Protestant readers and singers.