Life and Death of John of Barneveld, Advocate of Holland : with a view of the primary causes and movements of the Thirty Years' War, 1610c-12

"The Life and Death of John of Barneveld, Advocate of Holland: with a view of the primary causes and movements of the Thirty Years' War" by John Lothrop Motley is an historical account written in the late 19th century. This book delves into the life and political struggles of John of Barneveld, a prominent Dutch statesman during a time of significant upheaval in Europe, particularly concerning the Protestant Reformation and the ensuing conflicts, leading to the Thirty Years' War. In this detailed narrative, Motley explores Barneveld's complex relationships with key figures of his time, including Prince Maurice of Nassau, and the political maneuvers that defined the Dutch Republic's stance in Europe. As Advocate of Holland, Barneveld's efforts to navigate the tumultuous political waters of alliances and rivalries with England, France, and Spain unfold against a backdrop of ongoing religious conflicts. The book illustrates Barneveld's steadfast commitment to the Republic's autonomy and Protestantism, revealing how his political acumen helped safeguard the interests of the United Provinces during a pivotal era in history. However, his ultimate political downfall exemplifies the intense and often dangerous dynamics of power play during these turbulent times. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John Lothrop Motley was an American author and diplomat. As a popular historian, he is best known for his works on the Netherlands, the three volume work The Rise of the Dutch Republic and four volume History of the United Netherlands. As United States Minister to Austria in the service of the Abraham Lincoln administration, Motley helped to prevent European intervention on the side of the Confederates in the American Civil War. He later served as Minister to the United Kingdom during the Ulysses S. Grant administration.