The work of the famous British historian Jonathan I. Israel, “The History of Holland,” is presented to the reader’s attention and is dedicated to a 300-year period in the history of the Northern Netherlands from the Burgundian period to the era of Napoleon I (1477-1806). The chronological scope of the first volume of this study is limited to the mid-17th century, which marked the end of the Early Golden Age in the history of the Republic of the United Provinces. The work is a comprehensive study in which, based on a wide range of sources and literature, all significant aspects of life in the Northern Netherlands of that era are examined. A description of religious contradictions, features of the economy and trade, class structure, way of life and culture, as well as an analysis of the foreign policy situation and military operations - all these aspects have found an appropriate place within the framework of this work. The author pays special attention to the problem of relations between the Northern and Southern Netherlands, the connections between them, but also the differences. The author’s conclusion about the significant demarcation between these regions even before the Revolution can rightfully be called innovative. This work examines in detail the processes that led to the emergence of a revolutionary situation in the Netherlands, as well as to the subsequent economic and political power of the Republic, and when describing military actions against Spain, the pan-European foreign policy context is invariably taken into account. The book is intended for both specialists and all lovers of general history , and can also serve as a guide for students who have chosen European history of the early modern and modern period as their specialty.