Voortvarende vrouwen in de Veenkoloniale zeevaart

Anyone who could travel back in time would, around 1850, encounter hundreds of sailors in the peat colonies of Groningen. It’s safe to say that in those days, nearly every village—regardless of its size—was home to at least one seagoing vessel. These ships sailed the world’s oceans, though most often set course for the Baltic Sea. Maritime activity in places far removed from the coast inspires both wonder and admiration, especially when you realize these were relatively small ships, often carrying women and children on board.

Letters reveal that the women were remarkably capable individuals—able to chart their own course and often running a side business as well. A trip to South America, a train journey to Marseille, fluency in French and Russian—they took it all in stride. They were the backbone of life aboard, a source of strength and support.

This richly illustrated book offers a vivid portrait of the emancipated, enterprising women of that era.