NUYENS, WILLIAM JAN FRANS. - Dutch Catholic historian, b. at Avenhorn near Hoorn on 18 Aug. 1823, d. at Westwood (De Streek) on 8 Dec. 1894. Having graduated in medicine in 1848, he instead devoted himself to the study of national history, especially that of Dutch Catholics.
In 1856-57 he published two volumes on the influence of Catholicism upon 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 work was followed by a history of the religious and political dissensions in the republic of the seven united provinces (Geschiedenis der kerkelijke en politieke geschillen in de republiek der zeven vereenigde provincien, ibid. 1886-87), covering the period from 1598 to 1625. He also published various works on Dutch history of a rather popularizing character. These included a history of Holland from its origins to his own day (Algemeen Geschiedenis des Nederlandschens Volks van de vroegste tijden tot op onze dagen, ibid. 1871-82, in 20 parts; new ed. of 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. of 1898). He also carried on extensive journalistic activity, especially concerning the Roman Question, and wrote a history of the government of Pius IX (Geschiedenis der Regering van Pius IX, ibid. 1862-63). A defender of the rights of Catholics, he was among the first supporters of the freedom of the Catholic Church in Holland.