Ach, mijn martelaartje!: J.B.D. Wibmers postures en de ruimte voor politieke kritiek rond 1820

Abstract

In this article, the oeuvre of J.B.D. Wibmer (1792-1836) is analyzed. This hack writer published several popular magazines and pamphlets between 1818 and 1836, in which sharply satirical opinions were expressed about the protestant church and the Dutch monarchy of William I. A posture analysis of the way Wibmer plays with (fictional) author figures, pseudonymity, anonymity and sentimental style features, shows what possibilities were available for political criticism in the harsh publishing climate around 1820. However, Wibmer's complex satirical texts cannot unproblematically function as sources for historical research, this article argues.