This book presents a global overview of the key events and themes in Dutch history and culture: a choice of fifty key topics, or ‘windows’ into the country. Fifty important people, inventions and events which together show how the Netherlands has developed into the country that it is now. Each topic includes a list of places to visit and websites. At the back of the book, there is an overview of the fifty ‘windows’, grouped in fourteen themes. This is an excellent introduction for anyone who would like to make an acquaintance with this low country by the sea.

Frits van Oostrom is University Professor for the humanities at Utrecht University. He is also the former president of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Contents - 6Foreword - 8The canon of the Netherlands - 10Main lines of the canon - 113