In this biography, which largely allows the subject to speak for himself, Kuyper’s correspondence from 1858 through 1863 with his fiancée, Johanna Hendrika Schaay, forms the red thread linking together the story of his early life. (The first letter from their engagement correspondence is reproduced in facsimile in 1987.03.) Also included—among the many fragments cited from Kuyper’s correspondence—is a letter (dated November 1, 1867) to the president of the board of trustees in Beesd, O.W.A. count van Bylandt (1794–1882). Written two days before Kuyper dissolved his relationship with the Reformed Congregation of Beesd because of his accepted calling from the Congregation of Utrecht. The letter (pp. 236-237) is a courtly valedictory letter and expresses also Kuyper’s reflexions and regret concerning his conduct towards the Count in disagreements for reasons of principle. The letter is also included in 2013.02.

George Puchinger (1921–1999) was not granted the opportunity to complete the subsequent volumes of this biography of Kuyper.