author
1808–1870
A 19th-century Dutch poet remembered mainly for writing for children, he brought warmth, moral reflection, and a light touch to his verse. Though little known today, his books once earned notice from major literary figures of his time.
by Lieuwe Schipper
Born in Zaandam on September 30, 1808, Lieuwe Schipper was a Dutch poet and children's writer. Sources describe him as having worked as a schoolteacher, and later living in Arnhem without holding a formal post. He died in Velp on October 7, 1870.
Schipper became known especially as a writer for young readers. His books include Gedichtjes voor kinderen (1838), Nieuwe versjes voor kinderen (1839), Dichtbundeltje voor de beschaafde jeugd (1843), and Nieuw dichtbundeltje voor kinderen (1865). His work sits firmly in the tradition of 19th-century moral and educational literature for children.
Even if he is now largely forgotten, Schipper appears to have enjoyed a measure of respect in his own day. ZaanWiki notes that Nicolaas Beets wrote the foreword to his first book, and DBNL records both his publications and later biographical references, suggesting that his name remained part of the Dutch literary record after his death.