The House of Orange in Revolution and War

Three rulers from the House of Orange-Nassau reigned over the Netherlands from 1813 to 1890: King William I from 1813 to 1840, King William II from 1840 to 1849, and King William III from 1849 to 1890. Theirs is an epic tale of joy and tragedy, progress and catastrophe, disappointment and glory - all set against the backdrop of a Europe plagued by war and revolution.

The House of Orange in Revolution and War relates one and a half centuries of House of Orange history in a gripping narrative, leading the reader from the last stadholders of the Dutch Republic to the modern monarchy of the early twentieth century, from the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars to the First World War and the European Revolutions that came after it.

“" The House of Orange in Revolution and War is a lively study that integrates the Dutch monarchy into the transnational history of Europe's dynasties. A compelling account of the codevelopment of Crown, constitution, and political culture in the Netherlands, this book will be welcomed by anyone with an interest in Europe's monarchical nineteenth century. A joy to read."”

An epic account of the House of Orange-Nassau over one hundred and fifty years of European history . . . The House of Orange in Revolution and War relates one and a half centuries of House of Orange history in a gripping narrative, leading the reader from the last stadholders of the Dutch Republic to the modern monarchy of the early twentieth century, from the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars to World War I and the European Revolutions that came after it. New Books Network
The House of Orange in Revolution and War is far more than merely a history of three Dutch kings. It fills many gaps in European history during the period 1772–1890, illuminating the French Revolution, the Napoleonic era, the influence of Prussia, the machinations of the British, and interactions among all the great powers of the nineteenth century. Written by three Dutch authors, this is one of the smoothest history narratives, partly because so many nuances of European history are clarified by adding the experience of the Netherlands. The result is a compelling, even gripping story that details all the strengths, weaknesses, foibles, and even the sexual appetites of Kings William I, II, and III as the Netherlands dropped its stadtholders and became a monarchy. It was doubled in size by the Congress of Vienna as a bulwark against France only to be torn in half as Belgium broke away from the northern Netherlands. The book incorporates the kings' searches for spouses and the power and influence their wives held, ending with the passing of the Dutch monarchy to a daughter, Queen Wilhelmina. Beautifully enhanced by 61 illustrations, 36 in color, this volume's research and endnotes are impeccable. Highly recommended. Choice
The House of Orange in Revolution and War is a lively study that integrates the Dutch monarchy into the transnational history of Europe’s dynasties. A compelling account of the co-development of Crown, constitution and political culture in the Netherlands, this book will be welcomed by anyone with an interest in Europe’s monarchical nineteenth century. A joy to read. Frank Lorenz Müller, Professor in Modern History, University of St Andrews

This lively, well-written book is not only a major contribution to our knowledge of Dutch political history in the revolutionary era and the nineteenth century but a much-needed exercise in integrating the Dutch nineteenth century into the wider picture of European and global history. A witty, enjoyable read.

Jonathan Israel, Professor Emeritus of Modern European History, Institute for Advanced Study

This book deserves to take its place among the growing, excellent new historiography of the Netherlands becoming available in English. The authors blend scrupulous archival research and academic rigour with the compelling narrative of a flawed, all too human family across a century of war and revolution.

Michael Broers, Professor of Western European History, University of Oxford
An up-to-date overview by expert researchers, this book tells the story of a little-known part of European history, yet a crucial phase in the history of a family that became a royal dynasty, the fate of whom has been inextricably intertwined with the Netherlands. Henk te Velde, Professor of Dutch History, Leiden University Institute for History

Jeroen Koch is Senior Lecturer of Modern European History at Utrecht University, The Netherlands.

Dik van der Meulen is a writer and biographer and lives in Haarlem, The Netherlands.

Jeroen van Zanten is Senior Lecturer of European and Dutch History at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Three rulers from the House of Orange-Nassau reigned over the Netherlands from 1813 to 1890: King William I from 1813 to 1840, King William II from 1840 to 1849, and King William III from 1849 to 1890. Theirs is an epic tale of joy and tragedy, progress and catastrophe, disappointment and glory - all set against the backdrop of a Europe plagued by war and revolution. The House of Orange in Revolution and War relates one and a half centuries of House of Orange history in a gripping narrative, leading the reader from the last stadholders of the Dutch Republic to the modern monarchy of the early twentieth century, from the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars to the First World War and the European Revolutions that came after it.

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