This new Historical Dictionary of the Netherlands brings the story up to date. It begins before there even was a Netherlands and reviews the various transformations and permutations of the political organization, a process that probably still is not concluded. It focuses on outstanding persons, men and women of action, culture, and thought. It describes the parties, companies, and institutions they shaped. There is also mention of important places and events. All this helps reveal the special atmosphere in which the Dutch were immersed and that makes them different from others and also frequently different from one another. This presentation is made through the many entries in the dictionary, an extensive introduction, and a concise chronology. The bibliography offers a broad range of sources for further information. This second edition was written by Joop W. Koopmans, building on the first edition by Arend H. Huussen Jr. Dr. Koopmans is a lecturer of early modern history at the University of Groningen with a particular interest in the press, politics, and political assemblies in early modern Netherlands, on which he has written extensively. Dr. Huussen is emeritus professor of modern history at the University of Groningen. His specialization is the history of law, but he has also written on culture and the arts, among other things. Their combined experience and knowledge are compressed in Historical Dictionary of the Netherlands, which is an excellent introduction for newcomers and a useful reminder for those of us who have long been intrigued by this remarkable country.