Synopses & Reviews
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.
Review
"...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
Review
"...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
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.