"The History of the United Netherlands from the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Years' Truce, 1608" is an outstanding work by historian John Lothrop Motley, which reveals the complex events and vicissitudes that took place in the Netherlands in the 16th and 17th centuries. The author examines in detail the struggle for independence against the Spanish ruler, the war for religious freedom, political and social aspects of that time. The book impresses with its voluminous information, deep analysis of historical events and apt moral conclusions. For those who are interested in European history and political conflicts of the past, this is an indispensable read, which will help to better understand the complex path of the formation of the united Netherlands as an independent country.