Benigna im nebelhaften Gnadental/Genadendal
“Benigna” in foggy Gnadental/Genadendal
Author(s): Jerzy KochSubject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature, Other Language Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego
Keywords: South African literature; Afrikaans literature; Dutch colonial literature; Moravian Church in South Africa; Herrnhut; Benigna van Groenekloof of Mamre; Herman Benno Marx.
Summary/Abstract: This article analyses the reception of the book Benigna van Groenekloof of Mamre (1873) in South African literary and historical compendiums and scientific articles, and is an attempt to determine its genre. This anonymous publication has been frequently – and incorrectly – presented as the oldest book in Afrikaans written by an author of colour. This contribution rectifies this misconception: discussing Benigna against its historical background, it introduces the text’s actual author as well specifies its language. Moreover, the article postulates that more attention in the history of South African literature should be paid to the religious literature of the Moravian Brethren.
Journal: Neerlandica Wratislaviensia
- Issue Year: 33/2022
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 39-54
- Page Count: 16
- Language: Dutch
