Max Havelaar
by Multatuli
Dutch • Public Domain • Free to stream
Multatuli's Max Havelaar (1860) is the most politically important novel ever written in Dutch. A searing expose of the brutal Dutch colonial system in the East Indies — where local people were forced to grow cash crops at the cost of their own starvation — it shocked Dutch society and eventually contributed to colonial reform. Karl Marx called it one of the best books in the world. A landmark of world literature. Stream free in native Dutch.
About the book: Max Havelaar
Max Havelaar was written by Multatuli, the pen name of Eduard Douwes Dekker, in protest against colonial policies in the Dutch East Indies. Another goal of the author was to seek rehabilitation for his resignation from governmental service. The book was published in 1860 in Amsterdam.
In the novel, the protagonist, Max Havelaar, tries to battle against a corrupt government system in Java, which was then a Dutch colony. The story of the Dutch colonial administrator is told by two diametrically opposed characters: the hypocritical coffee merchant Batavus Droogstoppel and the romantic German apprentice Stern. The book played a key role in shaping and modifying Dutch colonial policy.
Multatuli made a significant contribution to the first translation of the book into English, which was published in 1868. During his life, the author published six press-editions of the novel in the Netherlands with three different publishers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Max Havelaar free to listen to?
Yes, Max Havelaar is completely free to stream. No account, no subscription, and no ads required. It is in the public domain.
Who wrote Max Havelaar?
Max Havelaar was written by Multatuli.
Is Max Havelaar in the public domain?
Yes, Max Havelaar by Multatuli is in the public domain and free to read, share, and listen to worldwide.
How long is Max Havelaar to listen to?
Max Havelaar takes approximately 10 hours to listen to in full.
When was Max Havelaar written?
Max Havelaar was first published in 1860. It is now in the public domain and free to stream.
Who narrates Max Havelaar?
Max Havelaar uses AI multi-voice narration. Each character has a distinct voice — narrators, heroes, villains and supporting characters all sound different, making it easy to follow the story.
Can I download Max Havelaar?
No download is needed. Max Havelaar streams directly in your browser — no app, no account, no signup required. Just press play.
What genre is Max Havelaar?
Max Havelaar is classic literature. It is a classic work of literature now in the public domain.