The Dutch Revolt [Paperback]

A major English-language edition of five central texts in the history of the political thought of the Dutch Revolt.A major new English language edition of five central texts in the history of the political thought of the Dutch revolt, originally published between 1570-1590, which exemplified the development of the political ideas that motivated and legitimated resistance to Philip II.A major new English language edition of five central texts in the history of the political thought of the Dutch revolt, originally published between 1570-1590, which exemplified the development of the political ideas that motivated and legitimated resistance to Philip II.This is a major new English-language edition of five central texts in the history of the political thought of the Dutch Revolt. Published between 1570-1590 these texts exemplify the development of the political ideas that motivated and legitimated resistance to Philip II. The introduction locates these ideas in their political and intellectual context and argues that they were inspired by the indigenous legacy of Dutch constitutionalism and civic consciousness.Preface; Introduction; Chronology; Biographical notes; Bibliographical notes; Note on the texts; A Defence and True Declaration (1570); Address and Opening (1576); Brief Discourse (1579); Political Education (1582); Short Exposition (1587); Index. The translation is excellent and because the reader is not distracted by archaic and awkward language, the documents' content and meaning emerge clearly....Van Gelderen's introduction represents a concise, admirable example of the virtues of the social history of political thought....This book is valuable not just for those interested in Dutch political theory, but also for those who argue and teach that knowing the historical context is essential for understanding political theory and how it evolves. Joyce M. Mastboom, Sixteenth Century Journal