Four centuries ago the Dutch Eas India Company (VOC) gained the monopoly of trade from the Dutch Republic with Asia and expanded to become the greatest shipping and trading company in the world during the 17th and 18th centuries. Through the trade in pepper and cinnamon and, later on, in products such as silk, tea and porcelain the VOC gave the Netherelands a period of unpreccedented economic and cultural prosperity. The text is enriched with many, often unique illustrations, many in colour and with tables full of interesting information. The Dutch East India Company is a fascinating account of the founding, expansion and decline of the VOC, an extensive trading empire that as directed by Dutch merchants of international standing.