Will be continuously updated. Most sources are in Dutch, so direct quotes are translated and may not reflect the exact original wording. Dive in for a mix of historical insights and some serious roasting!
History of the Administration of John De Witt, Grand Pensionary of Holland(Geddes, 1879): It’s in English. Fruin roasted him and Geyl dismissed him, and it was never continued past 1654(despite some anticipation from Dutch historians), but Geddes' sharp victorian era roasts are too good to ignore.
John de Witt.Statesman of the True Freedom(Rowen, 1986): This is the good stuff—comprehensive biography, solid analysis with no-nonsense commentary. The full version, however, is 900+ pages, so good luck reading that.
Raampjaar 1672(Panhuysen): Covers the disaster year of 1672 when Johan’s life turned into an absolute dumpster fire. Sad, but what a plot twist.
An English diplomat in the low countries : Sir William Temple and John De Witt, 1665-72(Haley, 1986): Diplomatic history with a focus on the Triple Alliance and the "rare friendship" between Temple and De Witt.
johandewitt.nl: A treasure trove of correspondence, historical analysis, books, podcasts, art—basically everything you need. I owe this site a lot.
Johan de Witt dbnl secondary sources: There’s just so much here. Secondary sources galore. I’ve barely scratched the surface.
https://anemaa.home.xs4all.nl/ges/personen/johan_de_witt.htm: very interesting website about the history of the hague. extremely well researched. respect.
De Deductie van Johan de Witt (1654): Johan’s position paper on the “True Freedom.” Haven’t read it yet, but it’s probably as legalistic and emotionless as you’d expect.
Correspondence Catalogue(Huysman, Huygens Institute): A collection of his letters, ongoing project. Basically, Johan’s email inbox, if he had one, and everything is super formal.
Minutes of the outgoing letters of Johan de Witt January to June 1672(johandewitt.nl): Includes the ultimate sick leave letter.
Johan de Witt. De omstreden republikein(Groten et.al): A fascinating read on how polarizing his legacy was and how it’s changed over time. And how they've roasted him.
Johan de Witt - The first calculation on the valuation of life annuities(Daxenberger):Typical Johan. Great for understanding his nerdy side, and the actual maths(or at least pretending to).
Geddes and Jacob de Witt (Veegens, 1880): Veegens’ response to Geddes. Not only does he roast Geddes, but he also throws shade at Cromwell while analyzing Johan and Jacob. Drama!
Fake news, cannibalism and a human tongue: the disaster year of 1672: Smear campaign, fake news, public opinion crisis. Also where his "legalistic pamphlets" were mentioned.
De Witt Brothers Victims of Conspiracy?(isgeschiedenis): A long overdue murder investigation.
Murder of De Witt brothers carefully prepared(Horlings): Conspiracy theory.
Between Memory and Amnesia(Grijzenhout): Examines how their portraits were alternately glorified and ghosted.
How the Dutch ate their Prime Minister in 1672(Álvarez, 2024): As the title suggests(and more) including detailed background info on everything. However it only cites english sources(understandable).
The raison d'état politician Johan de Witt(Boogman): A full breakdown of why Johan thought the Triple Alliance was the best of his bad options, covering prior debates and his "machiavellian" side. 100% recommend.