Arend Fokke Simonsz

• Name — Arend Fokke Simonsz • Born — 3 July 1755 • Birthplace — Amsterdam, Netherlands • Died — 15 November 1812 • Place of death — Amsterdam, Netherlands • Occupation — Writer

Arend Fokke Simonsz was born to Simon and Cornelia Fokke. Simonsz is best remembered as a writer, but was also an important figure in the literary world at the end of the eighteenth century. He had for some time a publishing house and was a member of many literary societies. One of his most famous works, Het toekomende jaar 3000, is one of the earliest written examples of a utopia, and probably one of the first in Dutch literature. Many of his books where critical analyses of current events and trends. He had established himself as a critical observer, especially of the French government at the time. Though not illegal, this critical view brought him into the close eye of the authorities. He died at the age of 57 in Amsterdam.