Neptune and the Netherlands

This book investigates how the rulers of the Habsburg world empire developed and implemented a central maritime policy for the Netherlands and appointed an admiral of the sea or admiral-general for that purpose. It also explains why the Habsburgs were eventually unable to gain control of the maritime affairs of the Netherlands, in spite of the support of the powerful Burgundian Lords of Veere, who occupied the central position of admiral from 1491 to 1558. From their power base on the island of Walcheren in Zeeland, known as the key to the Netherlands at the time because of its central location between Holland, Flanders, Antwerp and the sea, they held an ideal vantage point for exercising the admiralship. The result not only offers an illuminating insight into the organisation of the war fleet, maritime trade and fishery, privateering and prize law in the Habsburg Netherlands, but also puts the success of the later Dutch Republic in a new perspective.

Review:

...a solid account of the Habsburg foundations on which the Dutch Admiralties were able to build. James D. Tracy, Bijdragen en Mededlingen betreffende de Geschiedenis der Nederlanden, 2005. ...nicht allein fur diejenigen Historiker interessant, die sich mit der Geschichte der Seekriegsfuhrung beschaftigen, sondern auch fur diejenigen, die sich mit Prozessen der Staatsbildung befassen. M. van Tielhof, Hansische Geschichtsblatter, 2005. ...a major contribution to historical study...a distinguished demonstration of scholarship and a major contribution to the field of maritime history... John B. Hattendorf, International Journal of Maritime History. ...important contribution to early modern maritime history...Highly recommended. G.D. Homan, Choice, 2005. ...fine work with a strong case for the lasting influence of Hapsburg policies in giving the Netherlands a wider worldview... this work is a real asset. It covers with meticulous care the diverse influences that created one of the great maritime powers in Europe...very successful in blending military concerns with those of general public policy and process. Charlie R. Steen, Renaissance Quarterly, Vol. LVIII, No. 2, 2005.