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The Embarrassment of Riches An Interpretation of Dutch Culture in the Golden Age Simon Schama 9780679781240 Books

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The Embarrassment of Riches An Interpretation of Dutch Culture in the Golden Age Simon Schama 9780679781240 Books

Halfway through now, and it is hard to put down (except for those passages where the author does seem to take along time to get over dwelling on some particular (art) pieces to put in context). Having said that, the very same thing that makes it so intriguing and interesting, that is being able to explain context and add nuance before trying to draw a conclusion, can make it a challenge to get thru, at times. If you stick with it though the insight that's gained is uniquely valuable, and changes your view on history, if you had already formed some (for some reason, i.e. by roots, like me), forever. The most surprising aspect of reading though, when you're native, or somehow have a connection with the subject already (i.e. by birth, descent, etc.), is that many traits in the attitudes, culture are recognizable, as in still present today.

In other words; what Schama is giving us is a time travel that allows one to understand how the particulars of a people, country, culture, came into being, and in that way you learn about yourself (if applicable), or your friend, your colleague, your ancestry, etc., (fill in as applicable). Schama does presuppose a certain amount of historic knowledge though, by way of making references that will be totally lost on you if you don't possess that. And he's not filling in, nor repeating, all the historic conflicts, details, etc., (in all honesty, it would need to send me back to 'history class'); that's not what the book is about; it is focusing and refocusing on the general attitudes and popular sentiments that prevailed time and again in the Netherlands through the 17th century. Schama does so with his uncanny talent to portray times as if you live in them, to bring them back to life, with the help of detail, art, and his hard to match talent for story-telling.


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The Embarrassment of Riches An Interpretation of Dutch Culture in the Golden Age Simon Schama 9780679781240 Books Reviews

I like it very much, but then I like everything written by Simon Shama. It is both a historical book and about capitalism and helps to understand not only the Netherlands in the 17th. Century but also modern capitalism.
This text is complex. Good for a graduate student comfortable with dense material and prepared with background knowledge, not so great for a casual tourist seeking to get ready for a trip.
This book is certainly not for everyone. I would describe it as a mountain climb. I myself found myself slugging towards the summit in certain chapters simply to get further along into the sections that held more of my interest. In some ways Schama's massive tone on the Dutch Golden Age feels like a university textbook, a work perhaps best appreciated by scholars and students; on the other hand there is some vital and intriguing research going on here, making the ascent fulfilling.

Considering the book was written in the late 1980s, it still feels and reads with relevancy. Schama's style is definitely scholarly but also personal. Imagine traveling through the seventeenth century history of The Netherlands with a tour guide that is both passionate and knowledgeable, someone eager to share his research but also equally eager to draw you in with facts that are esoteric and sometimes strange - the drowning cell in a reform prison, beached whales, the symbolism of pipes, oysters and blowing bubbles in Dutch household art. Overall, it's still a fascinating trip.

While visiting Holland this past spring, the Dutch are always reminding tourists that Amsterdam isn't The Netherlands. After reading Schama, I have to disagree. The Dutch are famous for their tolerance, innovation, art and science. And though this book doesn't specifically highlight any city (Amsterdam being the most famous and exemplifying the forward-thinking ideals of Dutch society), it provides an excellent in-depth look at a time when the Dutch became the 'Dutch', carving out their identity while defending themselves against the Spanish, French and English.

The book is divided four parts Becoming, Doing and Not Doing, Living and Growing and Watersheds. Schama navigates the aspects of Dutch culture with ease as chapters seamlessly flow into each other. From discussions on the influence of Bible scripture on Patriotic fervor (the Dutch saw their territory as a kind of new Jerusalem) to the Calvinist zeal of cleanliness, there are excellent discussions here highlighted by looking at works of art and lithographs of the time as well as quoting from the writers and polemicists of the day.

What I came with is how much the people of The Netherlands appreciated and loved their children. Before Dr.Spock, the Dutch were very aware of the beauty and innocence of childhood and nurtured it in their families. This and the fact that the Dutch believed in friendship in marriage, that a love based in companionship and harmony was far more successful that unions forged in finance (though I'm sure this occurred as well).

I also loved the section on the mid-wife's role in Dutch society as well as the drinking and smoking habits of the rich and poor. A massive book but so rich I'm sure most readers will return to certain chapters just to revisit the interesting facts and discussions. And considering there is so much here, it's no wonder Schama's book is still in publication. A heavy one, a times a bit of a struggle but to quote Spinoza, a resident of Amsterdam in the Golden Age "All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare."
This is a little heavy going, lots and lots of detail. I enjoyed it but did skim some sections. Maybe that's the key, read the parts you want and skip the rest. The book is so long and thorough that you'll still get your money's worth.
Simon Schama - - no matter what his subject - - is worth every second spent with him. This book is endlessly fascinating, and I learned things I'd never heard about (and I'm Dutch!). He gave me new insight into the great paintings and the incredibly rich life of the Dutch golden age, and I'm recommending this book to everyone with a love of art, history, culture - - or simply great writing. Buy it!! You'll be riveted and enchanted.
Halfway through now, and it is hard to put down (except for those passages where the author does seem to take along time to get over dwelling on some particular (art) pieces to put in context). Having said that, the very same thing that makes it so intriguing and interesting, that is being able to explain context and add nuance before trying to draw a conclusion, can make it a challenge to get thru, at times. If you stick with it though the insight that's gained is uniquely valuable, and changes your view on history, if you had already formed some (for some reason, i.e. by roots, like me), forever. The most surprising aspect of reading though, when you're native, or somehow have a connection with the subject already (i.e. by birth, descent, etc.), is that many traits in the attitudes, culture are recognizable, as in still present today.

In other words; what Schama is giving us is a time travel that allows one to understand how the particulars of a people, country, culture, came into being, and in that way you learn about yourself (if applicable), or your friend, your colleague, your ancestry, etc., (fill in as applicable). Schama does presuppose a certain amount of historic knowledge though, by way of making references that will be totally lost on you if you don't possess that. And he's not filling in, nor repeating, all the historic conflicts, details, etc., (in all honesty, it would need to send me back to 'history class'); that's not what the book is about; it is focusing and refocusing on the general attitudes and popular sentiments that prevailed time and again in the Netherlands through the 17th century. Schama does so with his uncanny talent to portray times as if you live in them, to bring them back to life, with the help of detail, art, and his hard to match talent for story-telling.