Although Belgium has only been an independent state since the 1830s, it has a long and complex past. This history is essential for understanding the complexities of issues that led to a devolution of the unitary Belgian state into a federation of linguistically based regions. In addition to the elements that contributed to Belgium's particular political evolution, the history which is traced in this book is a composite of many themes of broad historical interest and importance. Belgium: A History covers the gamut of Belgian history through dramas of religious and cultural conflict, intense localism, state building, uneven development, divergent class interests, war and domination, and finally, integration into a larger European community.

Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer. And avoid tourist traps. At Frommer’s, we use 150 outspoken travel experts around the world to help you make the right choices. Frommer’s. Your guide to a world of travel experience. Choose the Only Guide That Gives You: Outspoken opinions on what’s worth your time and what’s not. Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip no matter what your budget. Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions. The best hotels and restaurants in every price range, with candid reviews.

In A Sense of Place, journalist/travel writer Michael Shapiro goes on a pilgrimage to visit the world's great travel writers on their home turf to get their views on their careers, the writer's craft, and most importantly, why they chose to live where they do and what that place means to them. The book chronicles a young writer’s conversations with his heroes, writers he's read for years who inspired him both to pack his bags to travel and to pick up a pen and write. Michael skillfully coaxes a collective portrait through his interviews, allowing the authors to speak intimately about the writer's life, and how place influences their work and perceptions. In each chapter Michael sets the scene by describing the writer's surroundings, placing the reader squarely in the locale, whether it be Simon Winchester's Massachusetts, Redmond O'Hanlon's London, or Frances Mayes's Tuscany. He then lets the writer speak about life and the world, and through quiet probing draws out fascinating commentary from these remarkable people. For Michael it’s a dream come true, to meet his mentors; for readers, it's an engaging window onto the twin landscapes of great travel writers and the world in which they live.

As Belgian history addresses questions of identity and security, of a sense of cohesion and common purpose or the lack thereof, this volume tells you why Belgium does matter.

Suggests lodging, food, and sightseeing highlights along with travel tips and cultural information.

First published in 1996. Volume 2 of the International Dictionary of Historical Places covers Northern Europe (British Isles to Russia), out of a set of five. The dictionary spans from Aachen to Ypres and includes an index by country. This five-volume set presents some 1,000 comprehensive and fully illustrated histories of the most famous sites in the world. Entries include location, description, and site details, and a 3,000- to 4,000-word essay that provides a full history of the site and its condition today. An annotated further reading list of books and articles about the site completes each entry.

Compelling Historical Fiction from the 16th-Century Reformation In this third story, the Dutch revolt against the occupation and religious oppression of Spain moves into full engagement. Pieter-Lucas van den Garde continues to run messages for Willem of Orange. In the midst of the uncertainties of war, his wife Aletta gives birth to their second child. Then Aletta discovers that the baby girl has a deformity. Concerned for the safety of his family, Pieter takes them to the fortified city of Leyden, where he had once dreamed of studying art under its master artists. In Leyden, the only painter Pieter-Lucas finds is Joris, an innkeeper who for fear of persecution will not admit to being a painter of that his true identity is Jewish. But Joris' son's gift as an artist exposes them to danger, and his wife's discovery of a true Christian faith is very disturbing to him. When the Spaniards lay siege to Leyden, all their lives are in danger and intertwined, and Pieter-Lucas' arrest as a spy pushed Aletta's fears to the overwhelming point. In the blackest night, will faith prove to be a citadel stronger than the sword.