Prof. Dr Hajo Brugmans (1868-1939) was a prominent Dutch historian with a distinguished academic career spanning over four decades. He was curator of the university Library of Groningen (1895-1897), second Librarian of the Royal Library in the Hague (1897-1904) and Professor at the University of Amsterdam (1904-1936). During his time as professor he was author of numerous historical books. The history of Amsterdam from its beginnings to the present day was one of his last publications.