Publisher's Synopsis
A two-volume biography of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, the 'founder of the United Netherlands Republic' and a central figure in the history of European diplomatic relations, of religious disputes and of church-state relations in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The first volume covers the period 1547-1606 and traces Oldenbarnevelt's early career in meticulous detail against the background struggle of the Dutch Provinces with Spain. Consequently it examines all aspects of Dutch home, foreign and religious affairs and policies. The second volume begins by examining the final negotiations and establishment of the Twelve Years Truce. In this work, as a result of exhaustive study of the sources, Dr den Tex has included a large amount of detailed information as well as providing a bold and original interpretation of the character and policy of Oldenbarnevelt and of his influence on Dutch and European events.
