The Dutch in the Seventeenth Century

by K.H.D. Haley

Back cover The Dutch revolt against Spain in the late sixteenth century overthrew the hegemony of a major European power and established a republican government in the great age of monarchies. In this book, Professor Haley fives us a lively portrait of Dutch society from the foundation of he republic in 1570 to the beginning of its eighteenth-century 'decline': he reveals its political and religious tolerance, its cultural vitality, its concern for learning and the humane treatment of the poor. Granting a special position to the princes of Orange, the nation based its political institutions on a pragmatic solution of the conflict between demands for local autonomy and the need for some form of centralized authority. This vigorous good sense was reflected in the basis of Dutch strength - a prosperous world-wide trade, backed by merchants of acumen and initiative. A remarkable collection of contemporary illustrations supports this cogent survey of a country which, in little more than a century, developed from a group of disunited provinces into a power of world significance.

Genres: History

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Kenneth Harold Dobson Haley, FBA, was a British historian who specialised in seventeenth century British and Dutch history.

Reviews

[Imme]

why was this author so funny. surprisingly well written for something i casually found second-hand and felt it brought me closer to understanding home. deliberately ignored how the Dutch were able to maintain their colonies though...

things i learned:
- Leiden first attracted foreign students by giving out copious amounts of wine and beer

- we will trade with anyone, even sell arms to people actively at war with us (spoiler: les français)

- there were so many dogs around the church created a job called the "dog hitter" to keep them out. sometimes they got drunk and hit children instead.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well-written introductory book on Dutch culture and history during the 17th century where the Netherlands entered a Golden Age, becoming a world power against other European nations. As such, the author writes in an easy-to-read manner that does not make the material appear dry or read too heavy like a textbook. He covers the historical timeline with supplemental sections that detailed the economic, social-political climate and little bits into the House of Orange, whom were the closest in terms of a royal lineage. Of course he also covered the arts and sciences, which I found much more captivating, but overall, he makes his point well in covering the rise of Dutch power, to its peak, and then to its decline by the next century. As both a history and introductory work towards that specific time period in Dutch history, I find it excellent to absorb in. As in the bibliography, Haley points out how he only used sources in English & French, which is very limited in contrast to sources in Dutch that he listed. But for English readers, I would say this one is worth getting into if you are interested in Dutch civilization.

[Chris Chung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. This was a concise intro into what made the Dutch Golden Age so unique in so many areas of human endeavor. My only criticism is that I didn't feel that there was sufficient explanation of that core kernel of temperamental distinction that separated the Dutch from their neighbors, it was treated with a little bit of a "that's just the way it is". I'd like to read more, which I suppose is what an intro is all about.

[John E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to the Dutch in the Seventeenth Century. Unlike so many others in this series this one is very readable. The illlustrations are well selected and extremelly well placed in the text.

[Lauren Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written and concise look at the 17th century Dutch--what made them different, more tolerant, more successful during the period during which they were. A lot of illustrations make this short book (200 pages) even shorter but the author manages to cover a lot anyway.