Belgium Books

Lost our copy in the canal when we were watching the locks fill. What a shame. Great walking tours for a beautiful city.

Like all the other Tripbuilder city guides, this book surpasses expectation.

Compact enough to put in a jacket or a purse, this quick-reference guide provides a thorough description of the city and what it offers. It is especially helpful to have the background on the points of interest, and what their significance is in terms of history, culture, etc. Having the book provide information on what would appeal to historical and art buffs, to children, etc. gives the visitor quite a selection to choose from.

We especially liked the colorful map that has everything color-coded and numbered, including the public transportation system. This is helpful for those who want to experience the local color by getting around on foot, or on wheels other than expensive taxis.

The great tips on what to do to make the visit to Amsterdam even more meaningful are right on the money.

Amsterdam is such a charming, delightful city; and this book contributed tremendously to giving us a greater appreciation for it.

Bravo!

This book is available from the publisher for 20-odd euros; but it is offered here, *second hand* for ten times that amount! surely a typo?

This superb work from the British Government Publ, HMSO, traces in great detail with the addition of excellent color fold out maps, the wars and battles fought in this area of France. Covered are Waterloo 1815, Mons & Le Cateau 1914. lst and 3rd battle of Ypres 1914 / 17, and the British Arras counter-attack in 1940. London 1995, HMSO, paper ed , 7 1/2 x 9 1/2, 222 pp, many illus & numerous color fold out maps. Each chapter Is organized on a similar pattern, with an introduction, which suggests why the battle is worth studying; followed by a long background narrative which puts the action in its proper context. After a description of the battle itself, comes a section which relates to the ground as it now lies to the events which took place on it. Armed with this book, which combines in-depth analysis of these four actions with explanation of the ground today, the visitor to the battlefields will be able to conduct his own battlefield tour.

Operation Market-Garden is one of those operations of World War II that fascinate readers and military historians, mainly because it was so unusual, imaginative and daring: a assault by three famous airborne divisions to capture a series of bridges, allowing an armoured thrust into the Germany. That it failed only served to make it seem more heroic. It is the subject two excellent films, Theirs is the Glory (1946) and A Bridge Too Far (1977). The latter was made from the best known and one of the best written of many books about the operation.

So what makes this book stand out above the crowd? It is written in clear and plain language, which makes it an easy read, and is only 200 pages long, yet it goes over the entire operation and the factors which caused the defeat, stripping away much of the myth and misinformation. In doing so, it is as forthright as it is compelling. If you have any interest in the subject at all, this is a book you will want to read.

I found Robin Neilland's _The Battle for the Rhine 1944_ most enjoyable to read and truly informative about this most controversial and, arguably, the most interesting phase of the Second World War in Europe. Montgomery is shown to be a good, though fallible, exponent of modern mechanised warfare and a very good case could be made that his strategy for the final defeat of Hitlerite Germany would have been the most effective and efficient had it been employed. However, as it was not, we shall never know. Apart from the controversial nature of its subject-matter's content, I would recommend this book, too, for its crisp, clear language and the knowledge and understanding of its author of his subject.

Hitler's last offensive proved it be the one of the most threatening challenges to growing Allied supremacy in Europe near the close of WW II. Retreating on all fronts, with British, American and Soviet forces ready to plunge in tot eh Reich, Hitler launched an offensive on the Western Front which caught the Allies by surprise. The plan was to force a wedge through he Allied position in Belgium, return the port of Antwerp to German hands, and turn the tide of war in favor of Germany. John Pimlott a Sandhurtst scholar, tells the story of the battle with his customary clarity. Illustrated by 100 photographs, line drawings and technical illustrations, Battle of the Bulge is a colorful account of the last great battle fought in WWII.

It's time that we see fashion as more than just clothing. Fashion is who we are or who we want to be. Fashion is thoughtful. Fashion is many things to many people as seen in the designs shown in this book.

"Belgian Fashion Design" tracks all of today's major Belgian fashion designers, from Ann Demeulemeester to Veronique Branquinho, and some lesser known designers; from conception of an idea to the runway, or swimming pool (depending on where the designer decides to show his or her collection).

This book has hundreds of great color and b&w photos spanning the last two decades, as well as interviews with the designers giving insite to their ideas, inspirations and reasons for designing.

"Belgian Fashion Design" is a must have for any design professional, design student or anyone who thinks clothing is more than protection of the body from the elements.

This a truly indispensable book by author R.T. Soper for every opera buff, musicologist or researcher. It offers a concise and accurate historical background of Belgium, followed by a detailed review of the Belgian opera houses and companies (Flemish and Walloon). Part III is devoted to the conservatories in the main Belgian cities, while section IV deals with the core of the book, i.e. the profiles of Belgian singers including biographical notes, with years/dates of birth/death - when known, career highlights including the roles performed, etc. Section V presents a brief highlight of non-Belgian singers and the book also includes a very comprehensive chapter devoted to composers of opera and operetta. At the end, the reader can find a top-notch glossary, followed by a list of 'recordings', or rather a listing of Belgian artists whose voices have been recorded. Lastly, for quick reference, ... the indispensable and easy-to-use index! Mr Soper has accomplished a detective's work and he must be complimented on such a task which he has carried out so successfully in a pleasant style and in-depth knowledge of the world of opera and singing. Thank you, Mr Soper! One only drawback: the very poor quality of the paper. It's disconcertingly thin and fragile. Happy reading!

The Bent Guide: Gay and Lesbian Amsterdam is the best guide to gay Amsterdam you can buy, and maybe even one of the best travel guides you'll ever own. This slim, inexpensive volume packs a lot of information between its covers--everything, really, a gay man or woman traveling to A'dam needs to know about the scene. All of the brand name guidebooks and online resouces list much of same information that is covered in this book, but only The Bent Guide offers accurate and meaty descriptions of the thriving city's gay venues, written from an insider's point of view. Pithy, witty, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, the author lets you know precisely what a place is like before you ever step foot in the door.

Attractively designed and thougtfully organized, with legible maps clearly marking the location of every place described, The Bent Guide is a little gem you will use every day of your visit to Amsterdam.