Dutch literature of the 17th century, while not as famous as other elements of the culture of the Dutch Golden Age, deserves independent focus, not only because of its own intrinsic worth, but also because of the evidence of strong social concern that it presents and the light it sheds on other aspects of the Golden Age. Despite this, the literature has not been examined closely, undoubtedly because of the language barrier, but also because there is no reasonable introduction to the material. This book aims to fill that gap. Illustrated, it groups its subjects thematically: politics, religion, nature, daily life. Because Golden Age painting, in particular, is so famous, the book devotes a special chapter to the connection between poetry and painting. A concluding chapter shows the repbublic's function as a European literary trading centre with brisk import and export. Included also are texts and translations of poems and extensive bibliographies for further study.