The Rise of the Dutch Republic: A History [Volume Four], by John Lothrop Motley (read 22 Feb 1971) When I read the first three volumes of this 4-volume work the fourth volume was not available. I put a request for it with our library, and was relieved when it was not available. But in January 1971 I was informed it was available, and I decided to read it. My memory of the other three volumes is already diminished, but to my surprise this fourth volume is not a chronicle of triumph. During the years covered by it Alexander Farnese does a good job as Spanish commander, and what is now Belgium is saved for the Church. The volume ends with the assassination of William the Silent on July 10, 1594. ( )