Maroon calf binding with green title plates, gilt decoration and title on the spine (spines faded to tan). All edges and pastedowns marbled. Dimensions are for one volume.

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Hardcover.  Published 1865-68. See photographs. An excellent quality set of this famous history. Motley was an American diplomat and historian best remembered for The Rise of the Dutch Republic, a remarkable work of amateur scholarship that familiarized readers with the dramatic events of the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule in the 16th century. The reception of Motley’s work in The Netherlands itself was not wholly favorable, especially as Motley described the Dutch struggle for independence in a flattering light, which caused some to argue he was biased against their opponents. Motley planned to carry his history down to 1648, but he died before he could complete his work. By then he had published, in four volumes, The History of the United Netherlands, 1584 to 1609.  

John Lothrop Motley (April 15, 1814 – May 29, 1877) was an American author and diplomat. As a popular historian, he is best known for his works on the Netherlands, the three volume work The Rise of the Dutch Republic and four volume History of the United Netherlands. As United States Minister to Austria in the service of the Abraham Lincoln administration, Motley helped to prevent European intervention on the side of the Confederates in the American Civil War. He later served as Minister to the United Kingdom (Court of St. James) during the Ulysses S. Grant administration.