Geschiedenis van de Nederlanden

by J.C.H. Blom, Emiel Lamberts, Arie Theodorus van Deursen (Contributor)

The history of the smaller European countries is rather neglected in the teaching of European history at university level. We are therefore pleased to announce the publication of the first comprehensive history of the Low Countries - in English - from Roman Times to the present. Remaining politically and culturally fragmented, with its inhabitants speaking Dutch, French, Frisian, and German, the Low Countries offer a fascinating picture of European history en miniature. For historical reasons, parts of northern France and western Germany also have to be included in the "Low Countries," a term that must remain both broad and fluid, a convenient label for a region which has seldom, if ever, composed a unified whole. In earlier ages it as even more difficult to the region set parameters, again reflecting Europe as a whole, when tribes and kingdoms stretched across expanses not limited to the present states of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Nevertheless, its parts did demonstrate many common traits and similar developments that differentiated them from surrounding countries and lent them a distinct character. Internationally, the region often served both as a mediator for and a buffer to the surrounding great powers, France, Britain, and Germany; an important role still played today as Belgium and the Netherlands have increasingly become involved in the broader process of European integration, in which they often share the same interest and follow parallel policies. This highly illustrated volume serves as an ideal introduction to the rich history of the Low Countries for students and the generally interested reader alike.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Belgium, School

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Dimitri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Droog maar degelijk; exact hoe een tekstboek voor schachten op unif verschillende herdrukken en een Engelse vertaling rechtvaardigt.

[Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has ever asked themselves "Why is Belgium a country?" OR if you're confused about the Flemish Dutch and the Netherlands Dutch OR why BeNeLux is so culturally diverse and unified, this book will amply answer these questions and much more.

Primarily focused on the geographical and societal developments, the book encapsulates the history of the Low Countries - or the 17 provinces - or BeNeLux - from the fall of the Roman empire to the beginning of the third millennium.

What this book misses (or I missed), is a more straightforward historical recount of the events, especially through maps, years and personalities.
Also, chapters are written by different authors, and this can be greatly felt -- some are easy to read, others are incredibly dull and with hard language -- thus the 4/5.

All in all, since I'm living in the Netherlands, I'm more and more interested in learning about the country and its history, and this book was a great start.

[Bill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be extremely frustrating. The authors had a habit of analyzing the significance of historical events without first explaining what actually happened. I got the idea that it was meant for someone who already knew the history of the Low Countries.

[Tech Nossomy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een universitair tekstboek dat beter "De politieke geschiedenis van de Nederlanden" had geheten, want er worden uitsluitend de grote politieke en staatkundige lijnen behandelt. Veel van het gewone leven op straat in cultureel, taalkundig, kunstzinnig en culinair opzicht blijft achterwege.

Er zijn wat statistieken zoals bevolkingsaantallen, maar niets over de economische groei, laat staan de ontwikkeling daarvan binnen de Nederlanden, en niets over monetaire economie. Dit maakt de scope van het boek beperkt.

[André · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enigszins taaie kost. Het leest niet heel vlot, maar is zeker wel informatief en de moeite van het lezen waard. Het geeft een mooi overzicht van de geschiedenis der Nederlanden, maar gaat nergens de diepte in. Was waarschijnlijk ook niet de opzet van de schrijvers, want het is een overzichtswerk.

[Kathryn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite possibly the dullest history book I have ever read. The maps were not translated so I wasted way too much time staring at the shaded areas in hopes of spontaneously mastering Dutch. But history is always interesting.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what it says on the tin, and no messing

[Mesoscope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to get a sense of the general history of the Netherlands and Belgium from the middle ages to the present. It served that purpose fairly well, though as a general survey it is quite long and focuses more on detail and less on big picture than would have been most useful to this general reader. A fine book for its purpose.

[Jeroen Berndsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Verplichte kost in de bachelor geschiedenis. Prima overzichtsboek maar ik koester geen warme herinneringen aan de tijd die ik ermee heb doorgebracht.