J. A. Wormser

Born in Amsterdam on October 9, 1845, Johan Adam Wormser Jr. became known as a Dutch prose writer, biographer, poet, publisher, and bookseller. After training at a trade school and working in finance, he entered the book world through his wife's family and later started a publishing business under his own name.

Wormser built a career that reached beyond writing alone. He opened a bookshop in Amsterdam, helped lead important trade organizations in the Dutch book world, and also served on the Amsterdam city council. He traveled in South Africa as well, later writing Van Amsterdam naar Pretoria about that experience.

He was also remembered for his social engagement. Contemporary accounts describe him as a religiously minded employer who argued for shorter working hours, paid vacation, the right to strike, and a minimum wage. He died in Hilversum on March 7, 1916.