Rembrandt era Netherlands

Author: Paul Zumthor / Zhang Jincheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: The 17th century was an era of dazzling triumph for the diverse Dutch nation, as the Netherlands entered its full glory in the "Golden Age." The "Masters of the Sea" were feared across Europe. This book vividly portrays the characteristics of Dutch politics, economy, and culture at the time through descriptions of the lives of ordinary people, urban and rural changes, the hustle and bustle of society, interpersonal relationships, primitive capital accumulation, war equipment, and more. Paul Zumthor, the author of The Netherlands in Rembrandt's Time, has breathed life and vitality into the dry skeleton of history. Here are the various stages of the lives of ordinary Dutch men and women, the changes in urban and rural landscapes, the myriad social realities, the relationships between people, the hardships of entrepreneurship, and the accumulation and completion of primitive capital. Based on the extensive bibliography listed at the back of the book, we can be certain that these scenes are not fictional but are well-documented, extracted from a wealth of historical records. Daily life is a microcosm of society, specifically reflecting the politics, economy, and culture of the time. It is no wonder that so many foreign progressive scholars came to the Netherlands in the past to write and publish their works. This also helps us understand why the Netherlands had six renowned universities by 1945. With a wealth of material at hand, the author paints beautiful sketches of landscapes, serene and fresh. With a masterful, light-hearted, and humorous touch, the author unfolds important events in layers, telling the readers little-known stories in a captivating manner.