Libris History Prize 2026 awarded to Maite Karssenberg for the book Double Life

Maite Karssenberg has won the Libris History Prize for her biography "Dubbelleven" about Geertruida Kapteyn-Muysken. The award, presented by Frits Spits, includes a €20,000 prize. The jury praised the book for revealing the subordinate role of women in the 19th century and for its original narrative style. Kapteyn-Muysken, who lived from 1855 to 1920, struggled for her education and ideals while managing family responsibilities. Karssenberg's extensive research uncovered diaries and letters that highlight Kapteyn-Muysken's contributions to the Dutch revolutionary movement. The Libris History Prize aims to recognize history books appealing to a broad audience, part of the Month of History initiative.