A remarkable and independent thinker, Luitzen Egbertus Jan Brouwer was a leader in twentieth century mathematics and in Dutch cultural life, where he was the key figure in a number of controversial issues, including a campaign to reverse the boycott of German scientists. In mathematics, he was a founder of modern topology and the creator of intuitionism, one of the most important schools of thought on the philosophy of mathematics. This biography discusses his fascinating life and provides a detailed analysis of his work.