He is called Alexander Farnese (English, Dutch, and German), Alessandro Farnese (Italian), Alejandro Farneseo or Farnesio (Spanish), Alexandre Farnèse (French), and Alexandrum Farnesium (Latin), Governor of the Netherlands (1578-1592), Prince, then 3rd Duke (1586), of Parma. Referred by some as the "forgotten Farnese", if you are reading this, you have likely heard of him and are seeking to learn more.
Adventurer and warrior extraordinaire who conspicuously distinguished himself with valor at the Battle of Lepanto and the Battle of Gembloux. Brilliant strategist who saved the Catholic army from being wiped out in France. Underappreciated diplomat, considered the founding father, or, at the very least, having laid the initial cornerstone for the foundation of what is today called the Kingdom of Belgium, through negotiations with the Wallonian provinces. Military genius who, as part of the siege of Antwerp from 1584-1585, orchestrated the blockade of the Scheldt river, touted by historians to be a remarkable feat of engineering.
To date, there are six published biographies about this notable historical figure; two in French, two in Italian, and two in Spanish. Furthermore, none of these biographies have been translated into any other languages. For decades, historians, be they respected scholars or casual enthusiasts, have been clamoring for a biography written in English. The appeals from Anglophone has been answered at last. Done in the style of Léon van der Essen's Alexandre Farnèse, this magnum opus consists of more than 1,550 pages in five volumes detailing Farnese's life. Out of economic consideration, the 14 illustration plates contained within are in black & white, however, a sixth volume, the addendum, features all illustration plates and more from all five volumes in full-color.
This volume continues where volume II leaves off with the siege if Tournai, return of the Spanish troops, Farnese's struggles with the Duke of Anjou, his offensive in Brabant, on up to the assassination of William of Orange and the preparations for the siege of Antwerp.
Vol. I, ASIN: B08JDTN3G1
Vol. II, ASIN: B08JF5KMQK
Vol. III, ASIN: B08JV9VMXZ
Vol. IV, ASIN: B08JLHQN44
Vol. V, ASIN: B08JMGH7NV
Addendum, ASIN: B09KN652RK
