Hendrik Willem Van Loon

Date of Birth: January 14, 1882

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: March 11, 1944

Biography

Hendrik Willem Van Loon was a renowned Dutch-American historian, journalist, and author known for his engaging and informative writing style. Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Van Loon immigrated to the United States, where he pursued a successful career in journalism and literature. He is best known for his works on history, including the famous book “The Story of Mankind,” which won the first Newbery Medal in 1922. Van Loon’s unique ability to present complex historical events in a compelling narrative made him a beloved figure in both educational and literary circles. Throughout his career, he wrote numerous books and articles, contributing significantly to the popular understanding of world history.

5 Interesting Facts about Hendrik Willem Van Loon

1. Hendrik Willem Van Loon was the first recipient of the Newbery Medal for his book “The Story of Mankind” in 1922.

2. Van Loon was not only a historian and journalist but also an accomplished illustrator, often creating drawings to accompany his writings.

3. He was a professor of history at Cornell University and lectured on various topics related to world history and culture.

4. Van Loon’s book “The Story of Mankind” has been translated into multiple languages and remains a significant work in the field of children’s literature.

5. He became a U.S. citizen in 1919, further solidifying his connection to his adopted country.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hendrik Willem Van Loon

1. “The arts are an even better barometer of what is happening in our world than the stock market or the debates in congress.”

2. “High up in the sky, the sun and the moon looked down upon the earth and saw everything that happened there.”

3. “There are only two kinds of people: the righteous who think they are sinners and the sinners who think they are righteous.”

4. “Any formal attack on ignorance is bound to fail because the masses are always ready to defend their most precious possession—their ignorance.”

5. “An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Hendrik Willem Van Loon’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a substantial sum during his time.

Children

Hendrik Willem Van Loon had two children: his sons, Henry Van Loon and Gerard Willem Van Loon. Both carried on their father’s legacy in various ways, contributing to the fields of history and literature.