Haarlemmer-Meer-Boeck
Moreover, in Amsterdam, Leeghwater tried to get a new large reclamation project off the ground. This was the Haarlemmermeer. As early as 1615, plan after plan was launched to drain this huge lake between Amsterdam, Haarlem and Leiden. Leeghwater was engaged in this project from 1629. In 1641 he came up with his famous Haerlemmer-Meer-boeck. It was a recruiting and warm plea to finally get to work. Naturally, Leeghwater hoped to make a good living here. Like any handy project developer, he smoothly stepped over all sorts of difficulties and his budget was very optimistic. The Haerlemmer-Meer-Boeck experienced three reprints during Leeghwater's lifetime, but unfortunately it did not lead to the result he desired. That did not diminish the popularity of the little book and it was reprinted 11 more times thereafter until 1838.
