Maarten 't Hart

(Maassluis, NL, 1944) is a behavioral biologist and writer. In 1978 he had his breakthrough with Een vlucht regenwulpen (A Flight of Rain Curlews) about the narrow-minded Dutch Reform envionment in which he was raised, and on which he turned his back in his student days. He debuted in 1971 with Stenen voor een ransuil (Stones for a Horned Owl), written under the pen name Martin Hart. In the meantime he has published more than 40 books. His work is peppered with autobiographical elements from his youth, his experiences as a biologist, and his love of classical music. 't Hart regularly wields his poison pen in opposition things such as like the feminist movement, monotheism, and literary critics. In 1991 he created a stir by appearing at the Boekenbal (Book Ball, the opening event of the annual Dutch Book Week) in women's clothing. In 2004 and 2006 he filled out the candidate list for the Partij voor de Dieren (Animal Party). Besides novels, 't Hart also writes essays, including about classical music. His books have been translated into German, English, Polish, Serbian, and Swedish.