Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preliminary Material / Rudolf Dekker -- Introduction / Rudolf Dekker -- 1. Constantijn Huygens Jr / Rudolf Dekker -- 2. Diary-Writing and Time-Keeping / Rudolf Dekker -- 3.The Glorious Revolution of 1688 / Rudolf Dekker -- 4.The Nine Years’ War / Rudolf Dekker -- 5. Dutchmen and Englishmen / Rudolf Dekker -- 6.The Many Faces of William of Orange / Rudolf Dekker -- 7. Connoisseur of Art / Rudolf Dekker -- 8.The Bibliotheca Zuylichemiana / Rudolf Dekker -- 9. Quacks and Witches / Rudolf Dekker -- 10. Gossip and Sex / Rudolf Dekker -- 11. Servants and Maids / Rudolf Dekker -- 12.The Last Generation / Rudolf Dekker -- 13.The Court as a Microcosm / Rudolf Dekker -- Bibliography / Rudolf Dekker -- Index of Names / Rudolf Dekker -- Index of Places / Rudolf Dekker.

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Based on analysis of a diary kept by Constantijn Huygens Jr, the secretary to Stadholder-King William of Orange, this book proposes a new explanation for the invention of the modern, private diary in the 17th century. At the same time it sketches a panoramic view of Europe at the time of the Glorious Revolution and the Nine Years' War, recorded by an eyewitness. The book includes chapters on such subjects as the changing perception of time, book collecting, Huygens's role as connoisseur of art, belief in magic and witchcraft, and gossip and sexuality at the court of William and Mary. Finally this study shows how modern scientific ideas, developed by Huygens's brother Christiaan Huygens, changed our way of looking at the world around us.

Description based on print version record.