Life and Death of John of Barneveld, Advocate of Holland : with a view of the primary causes and movements of the Thirty Years' War, 1613-15

"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 a historical account written in the 19th century. The book primarily focuses on the life of John of Barneveld, a prominent Dutch statesman, and examines the political complexities and religious conflicts that surrounded the Thirty Years' War, highlighting Barneveld's significant role in the struggle for Dutch independence from Spain. In the narrative, John of Barneveld emerges as a pivotal figure, navigating the treacherous political landscape of early 17th-century Europe. Through intricate diplomatic engagements, he attempts to secure the autonomy of the Netherlands while contending with internal rivalries and external threats, particularly from Spain and the Catholic League. The book details notable events, including the shifts in alliances and the tensions between Protestant and Catholic factions, revealing Barneveld's endeavors to forge enduring peace while advocating for Protestant interests. His ultimate downfall serves as a somber reminder of the volatile nature of power and politics, underscoring how envy and political intrigue can have dire consequences for even the most astute leaders. (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.