A Dutch journalist and author, known for his humorous and poignant columns and books that captured the essence of everyday life in Amsterdam during the mid-20th century. His writing is still widely read and loved today.
Simon Carmiggelt is renowned for his witty and poignant columns, which captured the essence of everyday life in the Netherlands during the mid-20th century. As a prolific writer, journalist, and poet, he became a household name in the Netherlands, thanks to his daily newspaper columns and television appearances.
Simon Johannes Carmiggelt was born on October 7, 1913, in The Hague, Netherlands, to Herman Carmiggelt and Adriana Bik. He struggled in school, but found his calling as an editor for the school paper. This sparked his determination to become a journalist.
After various editorial jobs, Carmiggelt landed a role as a reporter for the socialist newspaper Het Volk (The People). He later transitioned to become a drama critic for the same paper. It was during this time that he began writing short columns about daily life in The Hague, which he called "Kleinigheden" (Trifles).
In 1940, when Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands, Carmiggelt resigned from Het Volk due to censorship. During the war, he took on various small jobs, but secretly worked with the Dutch resistance. He was involved in the production of the underground newspaper Het Parool (The Password), where he was responsible for the layout and printing.
Tragedy struck in 1943 when Carmiggelt's brother, Jan, was arrested by the Nazis for aiding people in hiding. Jan died in the Herzogenbusch concentration camp, which had a profound impact on Carmiggelt's life.
After the war, Carmiggelt resumed writing columns for Het Parool, signing them with the pen name "Kronkel" (Twist or Kink). His "Kronkels" became famous for their humor, wit, and insight into everyday life.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Carmiggelt began to appear on television, where he discussed current events and shared his opinions on various topics. His down-to-earth style and humor made him a beloved figure in Dutch popular culture.
Carmiggelt's work includes numerous collections of his columns, as well as poetry and short stories. His writing is characterized by its accessibility, humor, and empathy for the ordinary person.
Today, Carmiggelt is remembered as one of the most important Dutch writers of the 20th century. His works continue to be widely read and studied in the Netherlands, and his legacy as a chronicler of everyday life remains unmatched.
In 1939, Carmiggelt married Tiny de Goey, with whom he had a daughter, Marianne, in 1940.
Carmiggelt received the prestigious P.C. Hooft Award in 1968 for his contributions to Dutch literature.
Simon Carmiggelt passed away on November 30, 1987, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to inspire and delight readers to this day.
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A Dutch journalist, author, and poet, known for his lyrical and introspective writings that explore the human condition, often blending fiction and nonfiction. His works are celebrated for their poetic style and philosophical depth.
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A Flemish journalist and author who wrote critically acclaimed novels and essays that explored the human condition, social justice, and the search for meaning. His works are considered classics of Flemish literature.
