Saint Nicholas and his servant
Book cover of the first edition (1850) | |
| Author | Jan Schenkman |
|---|---|
| Original title | Sint Nikolaas en zijn knecht |
| Illustrator | Not known |
| Language | Dutch |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | G. Theod. Bom |
Publication date | December 4, 1850 |
| Publication place | Netherlands |
| Pages | 19 |
| ISBN | 9781979681582 |
Saint Nicholas and his servant (Sint Nikolaas en zijn knecht, 1850) is a Dutch picture book from 1850, written by Jan Schenkman. The book is about Sinterklaas' stay in the Netherlands, which he makes together with his servant.
As far as is known, the book is the first book in which Sinterklaas plays the leading role and does not play a supporting role, as in other books in which Sinterklaas appeared. The book can also be seen as the basis for the current Sinterklaas tradition in the Netherlands and Belgium, because many elements that play a role in the book (arrival by steamboat, Sinterklaas has a servant) were later added to the Sinterklaas tradition in those countries.
The picture book is also the first book in which Sinterklaas has a servant. In the beginning, the servant does not have a name, but in later editions he was changed to the figure that is now known as Zwarte Piet. Because of this, Schenkman is also seen as the creator of Zwarte Piet.
The book has an educational function. The book teaches children to behave well. The book also teaches children not to do naughty things, because otherwise they will be punished by Sinterklaas.