Holland, v. 1 (of 2)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27799

Title

Holland, v. 1 (of 2)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edmondo De Amicis chronicles the Dutch struggle against nature, detailing how the nation reclaimed its land from the sea and rivers. The narrative explores the history of Dutch engineering, the tragic assassination of William of Orange, and the country's rich literary heritage, offering a portrait of a people defined by courage and perseverance.

Summary up to 500 words

Edmondo De Amicis's 'Holland' presents a nation defined by its relentless struggle against nature. The text opens by describing the country not as a natural landmass, but as a miraculous artificial creation reclaimed from the sea. Historically a desolate landscape of marshes, forests, and stormy bays, Holland was transformed through centuries of heroic labor. The Dutch people, described as intrepid and industrious, built a fortress against the elements using dykes, windmills, and pumps. They drained vast lakes, channelled wild rivers, and constructed immense granite embankments, turning a region prone to catastrophic floods into one of the world's most fertile and populous nations. This continuous conquest requires constant vigilance; the entire country functions as a military camp where engineers and citizens work tirelessly to keep the sea at bay. The narrative then shifts to the nation's turbulent history, focusing on the fierce conflict between the Dutch and the Spanish Empire under Philip II. Central to this struggle is the figure of William of Orange, a man of immense courage and intellect who defended liberty against overwhelming odds. Despite poverty, exile, and relentless persecution, William remained the moral and political heart of the revolution. His life was marked by numerous assassination attempts, orchestrated by fanatics and spies, until his eventual death in 1584 at the hands of Balthazar Gerard in Delft. Even in death, his legacy secured the independence of the Netherlands, leaving a profound mark on the nation's identity. De Amicis also surveys the cultural landscape of Holland, highlighting its rich literary tradition. He praises poets like Jacob Catz, whose verses serve as a national manual of wisdom and virtue, and the brilliant but controversial Bilderdijk, who expanded the boundaries of Dutch scholarship. The novel is celebrated as the most flourishing genre, capturing both social life and the exotic allure of the Dutch colonies. While the text acknowledges a decline in originality due to a hunger for foreign literature, it affirms that Dutch literature remains characterized by wisdom, good taste, and a deep concern for the poor. The work concludes with a poignant farewell to De Amicis's hosts in The Hague. Struck by the damp weather and the sadness of departure, he reflects on the deep affection he feels for his new friends. As his train departs, he watches his hosts stand motionless on the platform, their faces fixed in a silent, austere farewell. The book leaves the reader with a lasting impression of a country that is simultaneously a beacon of human ingenuity and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit against the forces of nature and tyranny.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27799.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27799.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-04 17:52 UTC

Categories

• Travel
• Netherlands