author
J. Wolbers
1819–1889
A Dutch historian and man of letters, he is best remembered for writing fiercely against slavery in Suriname and for helping bring that debate to a wider public. His work joined moral conviction with a deep interest in history, politics, and colonial society.
2 Audiobooks
About the author
Born in Heemstede on July 26, 1819, Julien Wolbers was originally expected to follow his family into the painting trade. Instead, he developed into a writer, historian, and public thinker. He later settled in Utrecht, where he devoted much of his time to study and writing.
Wolbers is especially known for his outspoken criticism of slavery in the Dutch colonies. His 1853 book De slavernij in Suriname argued against the brutal realities of slavery, and his later Geschiedenis van Suriname became one of his best-known historical works. He was also active in public life, serving in local and provincial roles and writing on religious and social questions.
Today, he stands out as a nineteenth-century Dutch abolitionist whose books connected historical research with a clear moral purpose. For listeners interested in colonial history, Suriname, and the fight against slavery, his work offers both documentation and conviction.