Justus van Effen facts for kids
.jpg)
Justus van Effen (born February 21, 1684 – died September 18, 1735) was a famous Dutch writer. He wrote mostly in French, but he also made big contributions to Dutch writing. He was a journalist who created his own magazines, like the Hollandsche Spectator. This magazine was inspired by a popular English one called The Spectator. Justus van Effen became well-known around the world. He translated books from English into French. He is seen as one of the most important Dutch writers of the 1700s. He also played a key role in the Dutch Enlightenment, a time when new ideas about reason and knowledge became popular.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Justus van Effen was born in Utrecht, a city in the Netherlands. He was the second child of Melchior and Maria van Effen. From a young age, he wanted to study and become a scholar. Around 1699, he started his studies at the University of Utrecht.
However, his father passed away early in 1706. This meant Justus had to change his plans. He became a private tutor to help support his mother and sister. This job allowed him to meet French people who had moved to the Netherlands. These connections helped him start his writing career in 1713.
From 1715 to 1727, he worked as a secretary at the Netherlands embassy in London. While there, he became a member of the Royal Society. This was a very important group for scientists and thinkers. Later, in 1732, he worked for the Dutch government.
A Writer's Journey
Justus van Effen became truly famous for his writing and journalism. He was a skilled translator, turning English books into French. For example, he translated Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. He also translated a work by Jonathan Swift called "A Tale of a Tub" into Dutch. His translations helped bring popular English literature to other parts of continental Europe.
Inspired by English Magazines
Justus van Effen loved English magazines, especially The Spectator. This magazine was written by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele. Soon after The Spectator first appeared, Van Effen started his own similar magazines.
He launched Le Misanthrope (1711–1712), which was very popular. People called it "the first moralist periodical on the continent." He also created Le Bagatelle (1718–1719) and Le nouveau Spectateur François (1725).
The Hollandsche Spectator
His most important work was the Hollandsche Spectator (1731–1735). This magazine was written in his native Dutch language. It was one of the most well-known magazines inspired by The Spectator.
The Hollandsche Spectator covered many topics that people in coffeehouses would discuss. These included politics, religion, good manners, fashion, and humor. It was written in a pleasant style and talked about important issues. For example, it questioned why the Dutch Republic was losing its power in the world. It also gave advice on how to live well and was a guide for the middle class.
The Hollandsche Spectator is considered a great achievement in Dutch writing from the late 1700s. It inspired many other Dutch journalists and writers.
Justus van Effen passed away in 's-Hertogenbosch when he was 51 years old.
