De waarheid over Esperanto en Ido = La vérité sur l'Esperanto et l'Ido

In this candid memoir, the author recounts his early fascination with the idea of a universal auxiliary language. He describes his own attempts to create a new tongue after finding Volapük impractical, only to be swept aside when he discovers Esperanto and recognizes its elegant simplicity. The narrative follows his shifting hopes, the excitement of joining the movement, and the dawning realization that a single, well‑designed language could bridge nations.

The second part turns to the contentious debates that erupted once Esperanto gained traction. Drawing on firsthand experience at a 1907 international delegation, the writer observes how eager reformers proposed countless variants—Ido, Reformido, Antido, and others—each claiming to improve upon Zamenhof’s original. He offers a measured, almost impartial critique of these splinter groups, highlighting the human pride and rivalry that fueled the controversy.

Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful analysis, the book provides a window into the early 20th‑century quest for a common linguistic ground, inviting listeners to reflect on the enduring allure and challenges of a world language.