BELGIUM

Belgium: 100 Years of History is not a travel guide nor is it an academic history of the country. The subjects covered in this book are taken from 900 years. Of course the state of Belgium as we know it today has only existed since 1830. It is a relatively young country.

Since its inception devastating wars have ravaged the country. It has been occupied and used a gateway by foreign armies. Despite this the Belgian national territory is more or less the same as it was in 1830. Flanders and Wallonia have a wealth of fascinating tales to reveal. In relatively recent times 'Belgium' has been the focal point of three of Europe's most momentous events.

In 1815 the Battle of Waterloo resulted in the defeat of Napoleon. The Battle of Bulge, in the winter of 1944/5 at the closing stages of World War II sealed Hitler's fate - at least in the west. Since then Belgium's Brussels has grown to become the de-facto capital of the European Union.

BELGIUM: 1000 Years of History gives the reader a unique insight into the roots of a country many know little or nothing about.