"The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Complete (1566-74)" by John Lothrop Motley John Lothrop Motley was an American author and diplomat. As a popular historian, he is best known for his works on the Netherlands. Using his career abroad, he was able to pen this history which narrates how this small European country grew to become a powerful force in trade. As his most important work, it's still used to this day as a comprehensive text for Dutch history.