Bij Ons in Noord-Holland

A land and ethnographic study written in the late 19th century. The work explores the characteristics of North Holland, its landscape, people, and cultural traits. Heijnes aims to provide both locals and those unfamiliar with the region an insight into the uniqueness of their home, highlighting the relationship between geography and identity. At the start of the book, Heijnes introduces North Holland's geography, noting that it has only three borders, with the northern side being open to the sea. He discusses the land's fertility, its lack of mountains, and the importance of the Zaan River. The author humorously portrays the characters of the region's inhabitants, emphasizing their practicality and down-to-earth nature, illustrated by anecdotes about local farming practices and customs. The introduction sets up a rich exploration of North Holland, mixing factual observations with his observations of local life, which he refers to as a source of pride for its residents.