This book takes an interestingly different tack. As a 'cultural' history it makes no concession to narrative history, instead assuming that the reader is already at least somewhat familiar with the basic story of the early years of the Dutch Republic from the late 16th to the early 18th century. That said, I am only very roughly familiar with the period, but still found Schama's book an interesting read.

Schama uses a variety of starting points to discuss various elements in the development of a specifically Dutch culture. Things as varied as the interest in whale beachings, the inundation disasters, and the various approaches to childhood. Schama's interest is wide ranging and eclectic, and very strongly linked to the art of the period. The links he creates between the wider culture and both the high- and low-brow art of the period are insightful. If nothing else, this is a book to read before you visit the Rijksmuseum.

In particular Schama draws out the contradiction between the riches accumulated by the emerging mercantile capitalism of the Netherlands and domestic culture with an emphasis on a lack of ostentation, belief in the family, and approach to charity. Schama's thesis is that the Weberian emphasis on Calvinist asceticism as underpinning Dutch culture and the growth of a nascent capitalism is misguided. That Dutch culture is more complex than that.

This is not a Marxist history, economics and social structure do not feature. But as a detailed exploration of culture in the Dutch golden age with a strong emphasis on the art of the period, its different approach is fascinating.

Great history of 17th century Dutch life. Very entertaining. Schama talks about the daily life of the Dutch.

Schama is a master of telling historical stories. This book was hard to put down.

See also Schama's BBC series, The Power of Art. Simply fantastic.

Quite impressive overview of the culture in the Dutch Republic of the 17th Century. In just 2 generations this new country became an economic, diplomatic and cultural giant. Schama zooms in on how the cultural elite of the republic looked at this very steep rise: certainly with awe and pride, but also with some feelings of uneasiness and discomfort. Nicely done, but to my taste, Schama is a bit too dependent on the pictural arts. (3.5 stars)

We, when it was still me and Mariella, bought this book in 1993.
Who said I'm a slow reader.
Can't wait to finish.
The cover brings back the memories of some years after 1996 when I roamed old Delft, while working for IRCwash.org.

A reading of the height of Dutch culture through art history. Interesting notes on Dutch unease with wealth, Dutch cleanliness, and the way geography influenced self-identity and religious faith. But I was confused that Dutch participation in the slave trade was never addressed, or colonialism, surely both important parts of the Dutch economy and nationalism at this time?