NUYENS, Willem Jan Frans. - Dutch Catholic historian, b. at Avenhorn near Hoorn on 18 Aug. 1823, d. at Westwoud (De Streek) on 8 Dec. 1894. Having graduated in medicine in 1848, he instead devoted himself to the study of his country’s history, especially that of Dutch Catholics.
In 1856–57 he published two volumes on the influence of Catholicism on European civilization (Het Katholicismus in betrekking met de beschaving van Europa). His most important work is a comprehensive study of the wars in the Netherlands from 1559 to 1598 (Geschiedenis der Nederlandsche Beroerten in de XVI. eeuw, Amsterdam 1865–70). This was followed by a history of religious and political divisions in the Republic of the Seven United Provinces (Geschiedenis der kerkelijke en politieke geschillen in de republiek der zeven vereenigde provinciën, ibid. 1886–87), covering the period from 1508 to 1625. He also published various works of Dutch history aimed at a broader readership, including a history of Holland from its origins to modern times (Algemeen Geschiedenis des Nederlandschen Volks van de vroegste tijden tot op onze dagen, ibid. 1871–82, in 20 parts; new ed. 1896–98 in 24 parts) and a history of contemporary Holland in the 19th century (Geschiedenis van het Nederlandsche Volk van 1815 tot op onze dagen, ibid. 1883–84, in 4 parts; 2nd ed. 1898). He was also active as a publicist, especially on the Roman Question, and wrote a history of the pontificate of Pius IX (Geschiedenis der Regering van Pius IX, ibid. 1862–63). A defender of Catholic rights, he was among the first advocates of Catholic Church freedom in the Netherlands.