The Princes of Orange: The Stadholders in the Dutch Republic

by Herbert H. Rowen

Overview

This is an account of the Princes of Orange in the Dutch Republic from William I, "the Silent", to William V, the last and saddest, in their roles as "stadholders." It interweaves their personal lives and characters with the development of the unique institution of the stadholderate and the broad political history of the republic. Without attempting to engage in psychohistory, the book treats the mind and personalities of the stadholders as significant factors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521396530
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/20/1990
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Early Modern History
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	6.06(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.71(d)

Table of Contents

List of illustrations; Preface; Prologue; 1. William I: from courtier to rebel; 2. Maurice of Nassau: defender of the Republic; 3. Frederick Henry: firm in moderation; 4. William II: the challenger; 5. The first stadholderless period: 1 exclusion; 6. The first stadholderless period: 2 return; 7. William III: Stadholder and king; 8. The second stadholderless period: doldrums; 9. William IV: neither revolutionary nor reformer; 10. William V: the era of Anna and Brunswick; 11. William V: the Patriot challenge; Epilogue; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"...Herbert H. Rowen has hit on the excellent idea of surveying the entire political history of the Dutch republic, from the vantage-point of the stadholderate...In executing his task, Professor Rowen has made use of all his formidable talents...The Princes of Orange is a skillful outline history which promises to enable the ordinary reader with little previous knowledge of Dutch history to grasp the essence of the political history of one of the most distinctive, dynamic and creative societies of early modern times." Times Literary Supplement

"...this superb book...provides a concise but informative study of the careers and personalities of each man [William I through William V]." Royal Book News

From the Publisher