Nieuw licht op Pierson

Summary J.G.S.J. van Maarseveen's doctoral thesis on N.G. Pierson contains much new and interesting information, based on extended archival research, about Pierson's life till 1877, his personality and his religious, social and political opinions. It discusses his main scientific writings of that period and his involvement in various debates on policy issues. The author pays special attention to Pierson as an adherent of progressive liberalism, akin to that professed by Stuart Mill, which emerged in the Netherlands during the 1860s. Around 1870, according to the author, Pierson veered towards a more conservative attitude. Bespreking van J.G.S.J. van Maarseveen,Nicolaas Gerard Pierson Handelsman Econoom en Bankier Eerste periode 1839–1877, Proefschrift Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, 1981. 317 blz.