100 Belgian Icons


Book Description

- 100 insightful and fun-to-read texts by Belgium connoisseur and fan Derek Blyth about iconic Belgian traditions, places, artists, oddities, buildings, sayings, and more In his new book journalist Derek Blyth presents 100 Belgian 'icons' that have shaped what he calls 'the strangest country in the world': people, objects, places and stories that are intertwined with Belgium's history and make it the country it is today. The insightful, fun-to-read texts are divided into lists with specific themes: traditions, places, artists, oddities, sayings, architecture, etc. Each list holds famous icons like the saxophone but also some surprises like Churchill's V-sign.




Usability and Internationalization. HCI and Culture


Book Description

This is the first of a two-volume set that constitutes the refereed proceedings of the Second International Conference on Usability and Internationalization, UIHCII 2007, held in Beijing, China in July 2007. The papers of this first volume cover HCI and culture and are organized in topical sections on cross-cultural design, internationalization and intercultural usability, as well as user studies.




100 Belgian Beers to Try Before You Die!


Book Description

A companion volume to 300 Beers to Try Before You Die!, this showcase of the best Belgian beers encourages both connoisseurs and newcomers to sample for themselves. Written by internationally known beer writers Tim Webb and Joris Pattyn, the book provides readers with a glossary of Belgian beer styles, a map of Belgium with featured breweries. Detailed and enthusiastic tasting notes for each beer by Joris Pattyn explore the many dimensions of Belgian beers. It is lavishly illustrated throughout with photographs showing the beers themselves, where and how they are brewed, Belgian beer bars, and some of the characters involved in Belgian brewing. Visitor information includes contact details for each brewery along with any opening times and details of brewery taps. United States and UK importers are detailed, and each entry details the ABV, bottle sizes, and whether the beer is available on draught.




Masters of the Ninth Art


Book Description

In English-speaking countries, Francophone comic strips like Hergés's Les Aventures de Tin Tin and Goscinny and Uderzo's Les Aventures d'Asterix are viewed—and marketed—as children's literature. But in Belgium and France, their respective countries of origin, such strips—known as bandes dessinées—are considered a genuine art form, or, more specifically, "the ninth art." But what accounts for the drastic difference in the way such comics are received? In Masters of the Ninth Art, Matthew Screech explores that difference in the reception and reputation of bandes dessinées. Along with in-depth looks at Tin Tin and Asterix, Screech considers other major comics artists such as Jacque Tardi, Jean Giraud, and Moebius, assessing in the process their role in Francophone literary and artistic culture. Illustrated with images from the artists discussed, Masters of the Ninth Art will appeal to students of European popular culture, literature, and graphic art.




The United States of Belgium


Book Description

New and comprehensive insights into the seminal events that shaped Belgian identity In 1790, between the birth of America (1776) and the creation of the French National Assembly (1789), nine provinces nestled between the French and Dutch borders declared themselves a new free and independent country: the United States of Belgium. Before then, the provinces had been part of the vast Austrian Habsburg Empire ruled by Joseph II. In 1789 revolutionaries from Brussels to Ghent to Namur recruited a grass-roots army that, to the surprise of many, successfully chased imperial forces from the majority of the territories. The exhilaration of military triumph and political independence quickly faded as revolutionary factions fought each other and the European monarchies became more nervous in the face of French radicalization. Yet, the course of events had fostered the solidification of a new identity among the provinces’ inhabitants: Belgianness. This is the story of the emergence of Belgianness in the crucible of revolution. The United States of Belgium tells the story of the First Belgian Revolution before the creation of a language barrier between French and Dutch. It incorporates over 50 contemporary images of the revolutionary era.




The Intellectual Origins of the Belgian Revolution


Book Description

This book explores the political ideas of the Belgian Revolution of 1830, which led to the break-up of the Restoration state of the ‘united’ Kingdom of the Netherlands. It uncovers the origins of liberalism and political Catholicism in the Southern Netherlands in the wake of the French Revolution, and traces the development of political language in the context of the tensions between the Northern and Southern part of the united Netherlands. It shows how differences in ‘Dutch’ and ‘Belgian’ political and intellectual history resulted in different understandings of essential political concepts such as ‘sovereignty’ and ‘balance of powers’, as well as of the nature of the constitutional order of 1815. Finally, it traces the emergence of Belgian nationalism within the discourse of opposition against the government. Stefaan Marteel therefore provides a fresh perspective on the intellectual background of the rise of the nation-state in the nineteenth century.




Belgium and the Monarchy


Book Description

This is the first book in English on the history of the actual disintegration of Belgium. It analyses how Belgium and its kings managed to control in a non-violent way the complex nationalist antagonisms between Flemings and Walloons. --Book Jacket.




DK Travel Guide Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp


Book Description

Your in-depth guide to the very best of Brussels, Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp. Make the most of your trip to this beautiful destination with our DK Eyewitness Travel Guide. Packed with insider tips to make your trip a success, you'll find a guide to Brussels, Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp's stunning architecture and its scenic drives that let you experience the best hotels, bars, and shops that this region has to offer. Try local delicacies at fantastic restaurants, bars, and clubs, and enjoy the great views in spots that will take your breath away. We have the best hotels for every budget, plus fun activities for the solitary traveler or for families and children visiting Brussels, Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp. Discover DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp: Detailed itineraries and "don't-miss" destination highlights at a glance. Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights. Floor plans and guided visitor information for major museums. Guided walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area. Area maps marked with sights. Detailed city maps include street finder indexes for easy navigation. Insights into history and culture to help you understand the stories behind the sights. Hotel and restaurant listings highlight DK Choice special recommendations. With hundreds of full-color photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and custom maps that illuminate every page, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp truly shows you these places as no one else can. Recommended: For a pocket guidebook to Brussels, Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp, check out DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Brussels, Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp, which is packed with dozens of top 10 lists, ensuring you make the most of your time and experience the best of everything. Series Overview: For more than two decades, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides have helped travelers experience the world through the history, art, architecture, and culture of their destinations. Expert travel writers and researchers provide independent editorial advice, recommendations, and reviews. With guidebooks to hundreds of places around the globe available in print and digital formats, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides show travelers how they can discover more. DK Eyewitness Travel Guides: the most maps, photographs, and illustrations of any guide. Visit TravelDK.com to learn more.




How Can One Not be Interested in Belgian History


Book Description

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.




CultureShock! Belgium


Book Description

CultureShock! Belgium is the definitive guide for anyone who wants to settle seamlessly into the country famous for its chocolates, mussels, frites, waffles, and beer. Though linguist differences have divided the land into distinct regions, it is these same differences that have given Belgium much of its cultural diversity and its multi-faceted society. This book will provide you with much-needed knowledge about the three languages—Walloon, Flemish, and French—and show you the importance of knowing which one you should speak in which region of the country. But that is not all. Glean all the practical tips and advice that will make settling in a breeze plus other information such as how to socialize with Belgians. Learn more about the priorité à droite rule and what you should do if you are made Bob for the night or if a Gilles de Binche with tarantula headgear throws oranges at you. CultureShock! Belgium is the only guide you will need to understand Belgium and its people as well as fully enjoy your life in this delightful country.