Nescio

Born Jan Hendrik Frederik Grönloh in Amsterdam on June 22, 1882, he wrote under the pen name Nescio, a Latin word meaning "I don't know." He worked in business rather than literary circles, and for years kept his writing life separate from his professional one.

He is remembered above all for De uitvreter, Titaantjes, and Dichtertje, works that helped make him a distinctive voice in Dutch literature. His fiction is often praised for its sharp, lyrical way of showing idealistic young people meeting the limits of ordinary life.

Although his output was small, his standing grew over time, especially later in life and after his death in Hilversum on July 25, 1961. Today he is widely regarded as a classic modern Dutch author whose brief works still feel vivid and recognizable.