Perspective in person, that is a fair way to describe Maarten van Rossem. No subject is too big for his down to earth view. It all has to do with what he is in daily life: a historian. The profession of historian has shaped the way he looks at the world. Maarten has broad interests and extensive expertise in various fields, including international and national politics, Europe, the development of the Netherlands and the United States. In his view of the world, he does not hide his opinion on current developments. With his down to earth attitude and sense of perspective, he always manages to provoke a response from the audience.
Education
When he had to choose a study programme, he decided to study Pharmacy. After a few months, Maarten secretly enrolled in a history programme after all. At first, it was different from what he had expected: uninteresting subjects, no profound conversations with fellow students and, of course, a family that disapproved of his choice. But after eight years, he graduated cum laude. Maarten wrote his doctoral thesis on the historiography of the Cold War under Hermann von der Dunk. After changing topics a few times, Maarten chose the magazine Partisan Review as the subject of his dissertation.
Book
Shortly afterwards, he wrote his well known book: The United States in the Twentieth Century. His book led to invitations for several television appearances. In various programmes, he appeared as an America expert and historian. Through contrarian commentary, down to earth responses and remarks full of perspective, Maarten quickly made a name for himself in the media and television world. Some people would prefer him to disappear from television altogether, while others greatly appreciate his down to earth view of the world. From this came the historical news magazine Maarten!, in which current affairs, perspective and individuality are the core values of the magazine. Today, Maarten is retired, but he will never truly sit still.
