Steven Hagers notes that the period of time that Vlier worked on the book is unknown, but he affixed the date 1861 to the preface, as in that year the abolitionist Julien Wolbers [nl] published Geschiedenis van Suriname (History of Suriname) with the publisher H. de Hoogh, who would later publish Vlier's textbook. Passages in Wolbers' book appear to have been reproduced identically from Vlier's manuscript, especially her text on her father.[1]Ellen Neslo [nl] noted that Vliers had access to records of the Departement Paramaribo der Maatschappij: Tot Nut van't Algemeen (Paramaribo departmental society for the common benefit), known as the Nut, through her father and uncle's membership in the society. She was also part of the black elite, knew many society notables, and may have been able to use archives from her great-grandparents' publishing business.[7] Hagers commented that Wolbers, had never been to Suriname and developed his book to argue for the abolition of slavery.[1]
