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The Netherlands: A History
Here, in this stirring, vivid book, historian Derek B. Lange uses The Hague as the focal point for a sweeping, panoramic history of the Netherlands.
One seventeenth-century visitor called The Hague "the mightiest village in Europe" - an epithet that could still be used today to describe this seat of Dutch government and home to its royal family. That same visitor also called it one of the most beautiful villages in Europe - no less correct - for the same circumstances that rendered The Hague mighty despite its size also rendered the Netherlands wealthy.
The Netherlands owed its vast riches to the sea, and it used that wealth not only to attain power but also to attract artistic talent. As the country came to be a leader on the world stage, the so-called Golden Age of the Netherlands encouraged the production of art and architecture of remarkable allure that is still on display today.
The history and people of this small country are explored through its rise to international prominence and then its development into one of the most tolerant and progressive countries in the world.
One seventeenth-century visitor called The Hague "the mightiest village in Europe" - an epithet that could still be used today to describe this seat of Dutch government and home to its royal family. That same visitor also called it one of the most beautiful villages in Europe - no less correct - for the same circumstances that rendered The Hague mighty despite its size also rendered the Netherlands wealthy.
The Netherlands owed its vast riches to the sea, and it used that wealth not only to attain power but also to attract artistic talent. As the country came to be a leader on the world stage, the so-called Golden Age of the Netherlands encouraged the production of art and architecture of remarkable allure that is still on display today.
The history and people of this small country are explored through its rise to international prominence and then its development into one of the most tolerant and progressive countries in the world.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 14, 2022
As other reviewers have said, the title of this book is a misnomer. It is only barely a history of the Netherlands. I wasn’t expecting an in-depth treatment of Dutch history, given how short a book this is, but I did expect it to be at least a good overview of the subject.
Instead, the book focuses almost entirely on The Hague, with barely a mention of other parts of the country. Moreover, the history of The Hague is primarily a historical survey of its architecture and of paintings by artists with a connection to The Hague.
The book does contain some short passages describing political and economic developments beyond The Hague. But if you want a coherent presentation of the history of the Netherlands, I’d advise you to look elsewhere.
Instead, the book focuses almost entirely on The Hague, with barely a mention of other parts of the country. Moreover, the history of The Hague is primarily a historical survey of its architecture and of paintings by artists with a connection to The Hague.
The book does contain some short passages describing political and economic developments beyond The Hague. But if you want a coherent presentation of the history of the Netherlands, I’d advise you to look elsewhere.
August 18, 2019
I would like to suggest a new title:
The Hague: An Art and Architectural History.
This book is interesting, but it is not a history of the Netherlands. The author spends the vast majority of the book talking about The Hague and its buildings, and only mentions other cities or major historical events when they seem to be pertinent to the history of the Hague’s architecture.
Also, it’s a little difficult to read. The history is presented only vaguely chronologically, where the chapters are for the most part in order but their contents are definitely not. This caused me quite a bit of confusion when I was trying to work out the causal links between the bits of actual history presented.
The Hague: An Art and Architectural History.
This book is interesting, but it is not a history of the Netherlands. The author spends the vast majority of the book talking about The Hague and its buildings, and only mentions other cities or major historical events when they seem to be pertinent to the history of the Hague’s architecture.
Also, it’s a little difficult to read. The history is presented only vaguely chronologically, where the chapters are for the most part in order but their contents are definitely not. This caused me quite a bit of confusion when I was trying to work out the causal links between the bits of actual history presented.
May 31, 2019
This is an overview of Dutch history from the middle ages to WWII. It was not a complete history, but emphasized certain topics. There were good discussions of the struggle for independence from Spain. And less about the later struggles against England. There was very little discussion of Dutch colonialism. there was a lot of discussion about the development of the capital, Den Haag. And curiously, a lot about Dutch painting.
October 19, 2018
Was hoping this short book would be a good introduction to the history of The Netherlands. It was a huge disappointment. The title should be "The Hague: A History.....and Not a Very Good One." It's disjointed and inconsistent with an inordinate amount of the narrative spent on art and architecture....and not in an especially compelling way. Avoid this book. There MUST be better histories on the title subject.
October 22, 2018
Having just gone on a trip to Amsterdam, I enjoyed this book overall. However, I feel like the title is perhaps a bit misleading. It covers architecture and art against a historical and political backdrop, primarily in the Hague and secondarily Amsterdam. So it’s not exactly a comprehensive history of the Netherlands. Despite this it was overall a good and interesting read. If I plan a trip to the Hague I will likely reread.
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November 7, 2023The corrected title would be THE NETHERLANDS: A BRIEF HISTORY. Author Lange has chosen The Hague as his lens, to reflect events in the area and even in Western Europe. Although his history is an overview, it allows us to see periods of extreme national courage, especially when The Netherlands is defending its integrity against the empires of Spain and Germany. Lange is interested in architecture to an extent unusual in most histories.
April 22, 2019
The Netherlands : A History
Fascinating read is this. Taking you from the Renaissance period to the 20th Century in detailed yet concise narrative. You really get a feel for this small country and it's huge contributions as well as costly mistakes thoughout the centuries. I found it very interesting and quite a page turner! I would highly recommend it.
Fascinating read is this. Taking you from the Renaissance period to the 20th Century in detailed yet concise narrative. You really get a feel for this small country and it's huge contributions as well as costly mistakes thoughout the centuries. I found it very interesting and quite a page turner! I would highly recommend it.
September 11, 2024
Agree with the other reviews.
Very misleading title as went on loads about art and The Hague.
Didn’t mention any of the colonies really, or about Groningen Utrecht or Rotterdam much.
Not fulfilling summary but supposed I know a bit more!
Very misleading title as went on loads about art and The Hague.
Didn’t mention any of the colonies really, or about Groningen Utrecht or Rotterdam much.
Not fulfilling summary but supposed I know a bit more!
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July 20, 2024Interesting and informative great read
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews