Chapter 7

Abstract

By 1850, Motley had definitely decided to write a history of the Rise of The Dutch Republic. At the very beginning, however, he was beset by a problem that almost caused him to abandon the project. It had come to his attention that Prescott was writing a book on the life of Philip II of Spain. Now Philip’s reign was, of course, a central part of his own history, and, although there were many points of difference, it was unavoidable that the two men must cover much of the same ground. This was a serious blow to Motley. He himself was an almost unknown figure in the world of literature. On the other hand, Prescott was already celebrated as the author of the magnificent “Ferdinand and Isabella,” and “Conquest of Mexico.” He had not only established himself as the first historian of America, but also as one of the ranking historians in the world. It would be almost gross impudence, Motley thought, to prosecute his own work without first acquainting Prescott of his designs and, further, obtaining his consent to continue. What follows is Motley’s own description of this meeting.