Despite surging interest in early modern pamphlets, political historians of the Dutch Republic, arguably the frontrunner in pamphleteering, have yet to explore their nature and relevance in depth. Rather than treating pamphlets as reflecting public opinion, or dismissing them as political froth, this volume aims to understand pamphlets as political actors in their own right. The articles focus on the function of a pamphlet, the pamphlet as a political actor, and the relationship between pamphlets and public opinion. Articles deal with these questions systematically while chronologically analysing the crucial stages in the history of the Dutch Republic. The result is a fascinating window on Dutch political culture which is relevant for anyone interested in early modern society.

Contributors include: Guido de Bruin, Femke Deen, Martin van Gelderen, Craig Harline, Roeland Harms, David Onnekink, Michel Reinders, Koen Stapelbroek, Monica Stensland and Jill Stern.