Description

On November 5, 1688, William of Orange, Protestant ruler of the Dutch Republic, landed at Torbay in Devon with a force of twenty thousand men. Five months later, William and his wife, Mary, were jointly crowned king and queen after forcing James II to abdicate. Yet why has history recorded this bloodless coup as an internal Glorious Revolution rather than what it truly was: a full-scale invasion and conquest by a foreign nation?

The remarkable story of the relationship between two of Europe's most important colonial powers at the dawn of the modern age, Lisa Jardine's Going Dutch demonstrates through compelling new research in political and social history how Dutch tolerance, resourcefulness, and commercial acumen had effectively conquered Britain long before William and his English wife arrived in London.

About the author(s)

Lisa Jardine, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, is the director of the Centre for Editing Lives and Letters, the centenary professor of Renaissance Studies at Queen Mary, University of London, and a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. She lives with her husband and three children in London.

Reviews

“A thoroughly researched and provocative revisionist study.” — Wall Street Journal

“Going Dutch is elegant and thought-provoking. . . . Jardine evokes a dialogue of civilizations.” — Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers

“She explores the fascinating Anglo-Dutch relationship to answer how and why two sworn foes became friends so seamlessly. . . . A highly original work that will appeal to fans of Simon Schama’s The Embarrassment of Riches.” — Publishers Weekly

“Jardine meticulously studies the exchange of ideas between England and Holland...she leaves no stone unturned...Absorbing, enjoyable reading.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Jardine understands and appreciates her sources, and she writes exceptionally lively history. A pleasure to read, this book is enthusiastically recommended...” — Library Journal