author

Bernardus Gewin

1812–1873

A Dutch minister with a warm pastoral reputation, he is best remembered for a single lively, humorous travel novel published under the pen name Vlerk. His literary circle included well-known young writers of the day, and his one famous book kept attracting readers long after his death.

1 Audiobook

Reisontmoetingen van Joachim Polsbroekerwoud en zijne Vrienden

Reisontmoetingen van Joachim Polsbroekerwoud en zijne Vrienden

by Bernardus Gewin

About the author

Born in Rotterdam on May 21, 1812, Bernardus Gewin studied theology at Leiden and, as a student, served with the volunteer Leiden Jagers during the 1830–31 campaign. He later spent time in London as acting minister to the Dutch congregation and also traveled abroad before beginning a long career in the ministry.

In 1841 he published Reisontmoetingen van Joachim Polsbroekerwoud en zijne vrienden under the pseudonym Vlerk. The book, a genial and humorous travel story, became his best-known literary work. Contemporary and later sources note his friendships with figures such as Nicolaas Beets and place the novel in the lively literary world of young Dutch writers of the period.

Gewin went on to serve as minister in Oosterland, Oud-Loosdrecht, Heemstede, IJsselstein, and finally Utrecht, where he died on March 11, 1873. Although he did not become a major public theologian, he was remembered with real affection for his pastoral care, cultivated mind, and kindly manner.