William the Silent and the Revolt of the Netherlands

the long version

This book is the best narrative history on its subject within its timeline. The 80 Years War has for many years fascinated British scholars as it dovetailed with the nascent Dutch and British Empires of European trade domination. It also confirmed the dichotomy between the Northern Protestant Entrepreneurial states and those Southern Catholic Stagnant Declining ones. William sacrificed his wealth in raising armies to fight the Spanish colossus to free his country from Alva's terror. Swart's book shows how he did it. I unhesitatingly recommend this book to students and the knowledgeable general reader.