1787: Miraculous almanac

Pseudonym

If a writer suspected that his book might not escape the censors, he could decide to have it printed in another country or he could publish it under a pseudonym. Many books with new political or theological ideas, erotic subjects or satirical texts were put on the market under wonderful fantasy names.

Fake certificate

This also occurred during the Patriot period, when many splendid attempts were made to send opponents barking up the wrong tree, as this almanac testifies. Besides the curious title and fictitious imprint, this miraculous almanac bears a fake certificate signed on behalf of 'de nog Overgebleevene Maagden binnen de Vryheids Stad Utrecht' [the Remaining Virgins within the Free City of Utrecht] by the secretary of the 'Vry Vrouwe van Sonnenburg' [Free Woman of Sonnenburg] on 12 October 1786 on the Neude. Reprints were strictly forbidden under penalty of 600 ducats, with a third earmarked for the head of the aristocrats, a third for the head of the democrats and the rest to benefit the head of the monarchists.

Printing press as a weapon

During the last quarter of the eighteenth century, the people of France, dissatisfied with the existing political system, fought for liberty, equality and fraternity. In the Netherlands, too, there arose conflicts between the monarchists and the patriots, who themselves were split into the aristocratic patriots (republican regents who were essentially anti-Orange) and democratic patriots (revolutionary citizens). The turbulent political situation unleashed a torrent of satire. The printing press became as important a weapon as the bayonet.

Ondaatje

The main force in Utrecht was made up of militant students, united under the leadership of law student Pieter Ondaatje in the volunteer corps Pro Patria et Libertate. Thanks to their efforts, Utrecht was governed by a democratic council from 1785 to 1787. Ondaatje, born on Ceylon and son of a clergyman, is satirized in this almanac in a piece entitled 'The Means whereby all East-Indian Gentlemen may Earn their Keep in Europe'. This almanac also contains a brief chronicle of events from 1547 to 1786, with fairy tales and riddles concerning this restless period in Utrecht.

Republican calendar

After the intervention of the Prussian army in September 1787, thousands of patriots - including Ondaatje - left the country and settled in France, where a revolution finally did take place in 1789. One of the consequences of the revolution was the introduction of a republican calendar, used from 6 October 1793 to 1 January 1806. The names of the days and months were completely changed, and many Christian holidays were abolished. Great was the relief among the general populace when the old calendar was reinstated: finally, good old Sundays again!