H. Rider Haggard 
Lysbeth, A Tale Of The Dutch 

There are two approaches to writing a historical romance. The first is to pick a few prominent and influential people from the era to be handled, and then try to imagine them as they were using historical evidence. The alternative is to research that period and the history of the nation in which it took place and extrapolate the required characteristics from there. "Lysbeth" aspires to present readers of today with a glimpse into the lives of individuals who endured what was arguably the most terrifying dictatorship the western world has ever experienced. One wonders how they survived and how it is possible that they did not perish from the fright. These are important issues to think about, especially for young people who tend to take everything for granted, even their freedom of religion and safety. Travelers in the Netherlands have occasionally expressed amazement to the author that even in an era of extensive decoration, its majestic churches are permitted to stay covered with mournful whitewash. They would no longer be amazed if they could travel through time and see in their minds specific incidents that have occurred within these temples and around their walls. People who are aware of the truths about their history and deliverance will not be surprised by the prejudice