View source for Asselijn, Thomas (ca. 1620-1701)

Thomas Asselijn, born about 1620 at Dieppe ([[France|France]]) and died 1701 at [[Amsterdam (Noord-Holland, Netherlands)|Amsterdam]], was a Dutch writer of comedies, the best known of which is <em>Jan Klaasz, of Gewaande Dienstmagd </em>(1684, 1683, 1709, 1732). This play and <em>Kraam-bedt of kandeelmaal van Zaartje Jans </em>(1684, 1716, 1727, 1739), and <em>Echtscheiding van Jan Klaasz en Saartje Jans </em>have some significance in the study of Mennonite history. "In the three parts of the Jan Klaasen trilogy we are placed among the [[Collegiants|Collegiants]]; to this group belonged many Mennonites, whom Asselijn—incorrectly, however—lumps together with the Quakers" (G. Kalff). The stricter groups of Mennonites are here exposed to view and their bad habits (prudishness, pretense) shown up.


= Bibliography =
Kalff, Gerrit. <em class="gameo_bibliography">Geschiedenis der Nederlandsche Letterkunde. </em>Groningen, 1910: v. V, 192-206.

Wijbrands, C. N. <em class="gameo_bibliography">Het Menniste Zusje. </em>Amsterdam, 1913.


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