History of the United Netherlands from the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce, 1602-03

A detailed political and military narrative recounts a prolonged coastal siege and a series of related campaigns, including a failed seaborne invasion of Ireland and a carefully conducted offensive that laid siege to a strategic inland city. It describes entrenched opposition, veteran mutinies and harsh reprisals, storm damage and naval skirmishes between privateers and combined fleets, and the capture of rich merchant ships. Parallel chapters trace maritime expansion in the East, early trading settlements, commercial embassies, and rapid growth of overseas commerce that culminates in the organization of a unified national East India company and growing debates over the regulation of international trade.