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A Tudor historian on the Dutch War of Independence

WILLIAMS, Roger.
The Actions of The Lowe Countries.

With woodcut printer's device on title and some fine woodcut vignets and initials.

With woodcut printer's device on title and some fine woodcut vignets and initials.

With woodcut printer's device on title and some fine woodcut vignets and initials.

With woodcut printer's device on title and some fine woodcut vignets and initials.



London, Humphrey Lownes, for Mathew Lownes, 1618. Sm.4to. 19th century fulgrained red morocco, spine ribbed and  gilt titled, richly gilt inner dentelles, g.e (RIVIERE  & SON). With woodcut printer's device on title and some fine woodcut vignets and initials. (12), 133, (1 blank) pp.

First edition of an interesting eye-witness account of the beginning of the 80-year's War in the Netherlands. With a dedication to Francis Bacon by Sir Peter Manwood, and a foreword by John Hayward, who both edited the book from the manuscripts left by the author. The author had fought under Prince William of Orange, from whom he also claims to have received much information. But later, eager to fight in strange armies, Williams fought on the Spanish side in the naval battle off Middelburgh. Herewith the account ends, although the author later returned to fight again for the Dutch States. He died in 1595. He had good relations with Leicester, and was a great advocate of the new system of warfare, which makes his account of all the more importance.
As a Tudor historian, Sir Roger is virtually unique. Few of his contemporaries could claim Sir Roger's extensive knowledge of military science, his intimacy with the leading political and military figures of the age, and his personal experience as a soldier... The actions includes the most important events that occurred during the early years of the Dutch war of independance: the political and religious controversies ..., Louis van Nassau's stirring but unsuccessful campaign in Friesland; William the Silent's march to Brabant; Louis' surprise attack on Mons; the revolt of Flushing; the arrival of foreign volunteers; the follies of the English soldiers in the weeks that followed; the siege of Haarlem; the mutiny of the Spanish soldiers before Alkmaar; the disgrace and withdrawal of the duke of Alva; and the seabattles around Middleburgh in 1573-1574' (John X. Evans, The works of Sir Roger Williams, Oxford 1972).

Fine copy of a very rare work.- (Old ink annotations on one of the first blank lvs.; some marginal staining and sl.browning; sl. cut short)
Cockle 93 New STC 25731

Related Subjects: Dutch  House of Orange  Low Countries  Militaria 

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