The Dutch, I presume?: icons of the Netherlands

by Martijn de Rooi

“If you are looking for a great book from which to learn everything about social and cultural aspects of The Netherlands, this should be it. The book excels by its quality impression and huge picture collection.” HubPages “A colourful, attractive, most informative book, extraordinarily amusing for both foreigners and Dutchmen.” Biblion “A fascinating and beautifully designed book. Contains a bit of history, geography, art, culture, food, cheese and even beer. Well written, concise and a mine of information.” Travel Bookstore De Zwerver “A delightful book, examining both the facts and myths about Dutch culture, and containing more than 600 unforgettable images.” The Affordable Travel Club

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Unfinished

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy guide to the things that a traveler might want to know or wonder about Dutch culture. Covers both the stereotypical and the less well-known. Lots of small photos. I am now well schooled in the difference between Holland and the Netherlands, the hagelslag on the bread, the licorice candy I am not sure I want to try, and so much more.

[Hellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"God created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands"

Also known as: the perfect book to read when you're a homesick Dutch expat.

I bought this book for my Swedish partner half a year ago. It's a pretty neat book - tons of pictures, witty, lots of subjects and cute little facts (the meaning of the positioning of sails on a windmill, a small overview of different kinds of liquorice). The spelling and grammar ("Dunglish") is sometimes cringe-worthy (look up the book 'I always get my sin').

Ironically, this book quite proudly presents all kinds of Dutch nick-nacks, while I believe the Dutch are quite modest and critical of their own country and excessive pride is not done. And at the same time I'm going to an identity crisis after reading this book: what do you mean clogs are originally from France? What do you mean, windmills based on a Persian prototype? Barrel organs Belgian and German?! Cheese slicer Norwegian?! I've been living a lie! Oh well, at least we still have our Koetjesrepen*.

*Produced in Belgium?!

[Deborah Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chock full of things-I-already-knew. It features many things, considered everyday items, that originated in Holland, as well as explaining the origin of exclusively Dutch things that many Hollanders even take for granted. A good read.
For those interested in Dutch culture it's an interesting books. It's not so much about daily life, so if you have just moved here and you need some orientation, this book would not be the first one to grab.

[Viktoriya Kutsarova · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of facts and myths about the Dutch. As I am currently living in the Netherlands, I really enjoyed learning more about the country and the people here.

[Wolter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book.
Lots of Information about the Dutch. History, food,culture,and etc. Easy to read would.
Read before you go to Holland.

[Daria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very light read to get known Dutchmen and Netherlands. Nice design, great illustrations.

[Luis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Factual and well organized information.

[Ferhat Elmas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic tour and quite repetitive. It can't deliver up to the expectations of its intro.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Dutch friend gifted me this book on my recent trip to Amsterdam. It’s a fun, light-hearted explanation of all things Dutch, and filled with lovely images. I found the Netherlands to be a lovely place with lovely people, and reading this since returning has been a nice way to remember my visit.

[Jonathan]

None

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yardane's (our new son-in-law) father, Bert, gave us a copy of this last week. It has so much information about the Netherlands and the Dutch people in this fun, colorful book. Love it!

[Vaishali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book to know everything about The Netherlands. Must read if you're planning to visit NL :)

[عَبدُالكَرِيمْ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it - I wish I read it before visiting the Netherlands