A History of the Netherlands - 3rd Edition by Friso Wielenga (Hardcover)

About the Book

A comprehensive and balanced history of the Netherlands from the 16th century to the present day.

Book Synopsis

Friso Wielenga's detailed history of the Netherlands traces its political development from independence to today, incorporating significant explorations of culture, economics, international relations, colonisation and decolonisation in the process. It provides a thorough and well-balanced overview of the key moments in and vital aspects of Dutch history since 1500. Challenging incorrect assumptions concerning political consensus and religious toleration in the country, A History of the Netherlands offers a masterful analysis of domestic politics and the nation's international involvements.

This new edition includes:

* Enhanced and expanded examinations of 21st century developments to the present
* Greater coverage of the Dutch role in the slave trade, the Atlantic trade and the Glorious Revolution
* More material on multiculturalism and integration politics and the World War Two deportation and extermination of the Dutch Jewry
* Historiographical updates throughout

The book is vital reading for anyone looking for a rich understanding of the Netherlands and its past.

Review Quotes

Friso Wielenga is a born bridge builder between the Netherlands and the rest of the world. If you want to get to know us and our history quickly and thoroughly: read this book. Clear, clever, concise and thorough, a must for everyone who has to deal with my small, strange, eternally searching country
Geert Mak, journalist and award-winning author of many books including In Europe: Travels through the Twentieth Century (2004)

About the Author

Friso Wielenga was Director of the Centre for Dutch Studies at the Westphalian Wilhelms University in Münster, Germany, from 1999 till his retirement in 2021. His books on Dutch and Geman history as well as German-Dutch relations have been published both in Dutch and German.