Far too
often books on
historical persons focus on a limited point of view, rather than
presenting a
global perspective of them. Karwansaray seeks to correct this with a
new series
of books “[w]ith the intention of promoting the growth of a collective
European
historical consciousness . . . where historians from different
countries
describe figures of international importance.” (7) For their inaugural
release,
the publisher selected Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter, the Dutch
admiral who
was respected and honored throughout Europe during his lifetime.
De Ruyter is
far from a typical biography, yet it is an absorbing collection of
essays that
provide a unique and intriguing perspective of this gentleman. The
writings
reflect this as they examine his life, both professional and personal,
as seen
through the eyes of his countrymen, as well as the allies and enemies
of the
Netherlands. This allows the authors to provide glimpses into life and
politics
during the seventeenth century, a time when the Dutch played a major
role in
maritime history and much of Europe was embroiled in various wars.
Bruijn’s
introduction provides an excellent overview of the man and his times,
and sets
the stage for the chapters that follow.
The
Maritime World of the Dutch Republic by Jaap R. Bruijn
Well-written
and concise summary that includes sections on the Dutch Republic, the
VOC and
the WIC, trade and commerce, whaling, privateering, and the navy.
Michiel
Adriaenszoon de Ruyter and his Biographer Gerard Brandt by Ronald
Purd’homme
van Reine
Fascinating
assessment of De Ruyter’s life and Gerard Brandt’s biography of the
admiral
written in 1685, a book that immortalized him and became a bestseller.
It also
includes an interesting explanation of how biographies were written at
the
time. Two encounters with Dunkirk privateers appear as well.
Merchants,
Diplomats, and Corsairs: The Dutch in Barbary in De Ruyter’s Time by
Karim
Bejjit
Objective
inspection that illuminates the complexity of affairs pertaining to the
Barbary
States, especially as concerns Dutch relations with them from 1600-1644
and de
Ruyter’s experiences dealing with Morocco, Algiers, and Tunis.
The
Dutch Republic as a Great Power: Political Interaction and Armed Forces
by Jan
Glete
Comparative
look at the Dutch army and navy with that of other countries.
Navies,
Strategy, and Tactics in the Age of De Ruyter by John B. Hattendorf
Also
a comparative study, this focuses on naval development in England and
the
Netherlands, as well as the three naval conflicts fought between these
two
nations from 1652 to 1674.
The
Good Enemy: British Perceptions of Michiel de Ruyter and the
Anglo-Dutch Wars
by J. D. Davies
Entertaining
and informative essay that examines the admiral from the perspective of
a plain
seaman and a mythic hero. Includes a comparison between de Ruyter and
his
English contemporaries.
Danish
Perspectives on de Ruyter’s Role in the Nordic Conflicts by Niels M.
Probst
Interesting
chapter on Denmark’s war against Sweden, but the major focus seems to
be Niels
Juel, rather than de Ruyter, a man with whom Juel sailed more than once.
Michiel
de Ruyter’s Expedition to West Africa and America, 1664-1665 by Henk
den Heijer
Captivating
account of a mission carried out in secret that would lead to the
Second
Anglo-Dutch War and the role de Ruyter played in it. Also briefly
touches on
his dealings with the Barbary corsairs.
De
Ruyter versus Duquesne: A Battle to the Death by Michel
Vergé-Franceschi
Detailed
survey of a war that pitted two worthy adversaries against each other
with
particular emphasis on the French perspective of the battle in which de
Ruyter
dies.
De
Ruyter and his flag officers by Jaap R. Bruijn
Analysis
of the two manners – before and after a standing navy became standard –
in
which flag officers were selected during de Ruyter’s career, the men
who held
these positions, and what is known of his relationships with them.
De
Ruyter in Paint by Ronald Prud’homme van Reine
Intriguing
examination of de Ruyter from an unusual perspective that provides
insight into
his personal life.
Several maps precede the
essays, which are handsomely illustrated with reproductions of artwork,
photographs,
period maps and charts, and artifacts – many of them in color –
connected to de
Ruyter, whose signature appears at the bottom of each page in gold.
Each
chapter opens with a double-page spread of a painting that pertains to
the
subject matter within. Although the font size is small, the abundance
of white
space on each page makes it easy to read. The book concludes with a
Select
Bibliography, References for the various chapters, an Index of ship
names, an
Index of geographical names, and an Index of persons. The final three
pages
include short biographies of the contributors that clearly show why
each is
eminently qualified to write on the subject.
The
invaluable content and handsome presentation make this
a valuable addition to any library interested in maritime history,
European
history, and naval history. It is an insightful examination of a man
whom Louis
XIV identified as “a man who did honour to humanity.”
Pirates
and Privateers
