Surinam mapped out > Printed works
The history of Surinam is documented in hundreds of books and picture books. Maria Sibylla Merian sketched the tropical plant and insect world already in the early 18th century.
In 1763, Pistorius not only gave instructions on how to operate a plantation, but also described the culture of the native people.
And in 1799, Stedman wrote a penetrating report on life in the colonial society, the horrors of the slave trade and slavery and the fight against the maroons in the woods.
Benoit’s travel account of 1839 gives many details on the material culture in Surinam.
There are also records documenting the settlement of Jews in Surinam and its colonization by farmers, the debate on the abolition of slavery and the immigration of Asian contract workers.
Twentieth century photograph books illustrate Surinamese architecture, agriculture and industry and include portraits of many Surinamese. In prose and poetry, in Dutch and in Sranantongo, writers bear witness to life in Surinamese society and to the migrant culture at the time. In addition to historical and literary works, the collection includes newspapers, brochures, almanacs, textbooks and children’s books; they tell the story of everyday life in the colony.
