Overview

The Dutch are 'the envy of some, the fear of others, and the wonder of all their neighbours'. So wrote the English ambassador to the Dutch Republic, Sir William Temple, in 1673. Maarten Prak offers a lively and innovative history of the Dutch Golden Age, charting its political, social, economic and cultural history through chapters that range from the introduction of the tulip to the experiences of immigrants and Jews in Dutch society, the paintings of Vermeer and Rembrandt, and the ideas of Spinoza. He places the Dutch 'miracle' in a European context, examining the Golden Age both as the product of its own past and as the harbinger of a more modern, industrialised and enlightened society. A fascinating and accessible study, this 2005 book will prove invaluable reading to anyone interested in Dutch history.

Full Product Details

Author:   Maarten Prak (Universiteit Utrecht, The Netherlands) ,  Diane Webb
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press (Virtual Publishing)
ISBN:  

9780511817311

ISBN 10:   0511817312
Publication Date:   05 February 2015
Audience:   College/higher education ,  General/trade ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  General
Format:   Undefined
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In stock  
We have confirmation that this item is in stock with the supplier. It will be ordered in for you and dispatched immediately.
Language:   English

Table of Contents

List of illustrations; Acknowledgements; Chronology; Introduction: the enigma of the Republic; 1. A turbulent beginning; Part I. War Without End: 2. An independent state (1609–50); 3. A world power (1650–1713); 4. The armed forces; 5. Financial might; Part II. Golden Age: Economy and Society: 6. A market economy; 7. A world-wide trading network; 8. Riches; 9. Toil and trouble; Part III. Unity and Discord: Politics and Governance: 10. Community; 11. The authorities; 12. A dissonant chorus; Part IV. An Urban Society: 13. Religious pluralism; 14. A new approach to science and philosophy; 15. The Dutch school of painting; 16. The urban landscape; Conclusion: the end of the Golden Age; Further reading; Index.

Reviews

'… this is a very readable, accurate, and insightful account of the Republic in its Golden Years.' History of Intellectual Culture

'... this is a very readable, accurate, and insightful account of the Republic in its Golden Years.' History of Intellectual Culture

Author Information

Maarten Prak is Professor of Social and Economic History at Utrecht University. He is the author and editor of a number of books, including Early Modern Capitalism (2000). Diane Webb is a translator specialising in the fields of history and art.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions