Neptune and the Netherlands

Louis H.J. Sicking, DEA (1990) Histoire d'outre-mer, University of the Provence (Aix), Ph.D. (1996) in History, University of Leiden, is Lecturer and postdoctoral Fellow in History at the University of Leiden. He has published mainly on the history of the Netherlands, on maritime history and on the history of European Expansion.

"...a solid account of the Habsburg foundations on which the Dutch Admiralties were able to build."James D. Tracy, Bijdragen en Mededlingen betreffende de Geschiedenis der Nederlanden, 2005."...nicht allein für diejenigen Historiker interessant, die sich mit der Geschichte der Seekriegsführung beschäftigen, sondern auch für diejenigen, die sich mit Prozessen der Staatsbildung befassen."M. van Tielhof, Hansische Geschichtsblätter, 2005. "…a major contribution to historical study…a distinguished demonstration of scholarship and a major contribution to the field of maritime history…"John B. Hattendorf, International Journal of Maritime History."…important contribution to early modern maritime history…Highly recommended."G.D. Homan, Choice, 2005."...fine work with a strong case for the lasting influence of Hapsburg policies in giving the Netherlands a wider worldview... this work is a real asset. It covers with meticulous care the diverse influences that created one of the great maritime powers in Europe...very successful in blending military concerns with those of general public policy and process."Charlie R. Steen, Renaissance Quarterly, Vol. LVIII, No. 2, 2005.

• Notes on conventionsList of Plates and MapsList of Tables and FiguresAbbreviationsChronologyPrefaceIntroduction1. Chronological and geographical limits2. Historiography3. Sources: une mer à boire4. Points of departureChapter One The seabound NetherlandsIntroduction1. Flanders: origin of Admiralty2. Holland: maritime power in Western Europe3. Zeeland: power base of the Lords of VeereConclusionChapter Two Ordinances and admiralsIntroduction1. The Ordinance on the Admiralty of 14882. Admirals and vice-admirals, 1488–15583. Holland’s attack on the Admiralty4. The Ordinance on the Admiralty of 1540ConclusionChapter Three Defence of the fisheriesIntroduction1. Fishery: proportions and changes2. Defence of Flanders’ fishery, 1488–15473. Defence of Holland’s fishery, 1488–15474. Defence of Zeeland’s fishery, 1488–15475. Cooperation between the provinces, 1547–1558ConclusionChapter Four Commerce and dynastyIntroduction1. The route to the East: the offensive solution2. The route to the West: the defensive solution3. Protection of the routes to the East and to theWest in 1557ConclusionChapter Five Strategy and dynastyIntroduction1. The Zuider Zee2. Coastal defence3. Passage between the Netherlands and Spain4. England as a base and ally5. Strategy and honourConclusionChapter Six Towards a permanent war fleetIntroduction1. Organisation and finance2. The war fleet3. The crew 4. Veere: naval base of the Habsburg NetherlandsConclusionChapter Seven Privateering and AdmiraltyIntroduction1. Privateering2. Admiralty3. Order and disciplineConclusionConclusionGlossaryBibliographyIndex