How Can One Not Be Interested in Belgian History?: War, Language and Consensus in Belgium Since 1830

Geert Van Istendael; Martine Van Berlo; Marc Reynebeau; Tony Judt; Benno Barnard

ISBN 10: 9038208162 / ISBN 13: 9789038208169

Editore: Academia Press Scientific Publishers, 2005

Near fine copy. Particularly well-preserved; tight, bright, clean and strong. Internally the pages are immaculately clean and complete. Codice articolo ABE-1731436991955

Riassunto:

Belgium rarely attracts outside attention. Yet the country is more than fine chocolates, delicious beers or Tintin. This volume celebrates Belgium as a federal, post-nationalist country, which combines cultural pragmatism with a rather solid social consensus. It presents a critical vision of the origins of Belgian independence and of that complex notion named 'belgitude'. It illustrates how the deep-seated tradition of local autonomy and suspicion towards state authority go hand in hand with a strong sense of individual tolerance and solidarity, with a rejection of violent confrontation and a continuous search for consensus. In this volume, prominent commentators on things Belgian combine critical and irreverent observations with a strong attachment to the existence of the country and its role on the international stage. They emphasize the potential of linguistic diversity and cultural plurality. They also point out the ambivalent relation between history, national myths, and the 'lasagne' identity of most Belgians. Belgium may be a model or a warning. Its history addresses questions of identity and security, of a sense of cohesion and common purpose - or the
lack thereof. Belgium does matter. This volume tells you why.

Product Description: Book by Barnard Benno van Berlo Martine van Istendael Geer

Dati bibliografici

Titolo: How Can One Not Be Interested in Belgian ...
Casa editrice: Academia Press Scientific Publishers
Data di pubblicazione: 2005
Legatura: Soft cover
Condizione: Near Fine
Edizione: 5th or later Edition