100 Belgian Icons

by Derek Blyth

This affectionate cultural guide celebrates 100 icons that make Belgium different from any other country. In 100 short, informative texts, the author talks about food, people, places, traditions, inventions, buildings, and even expressions, that have shaped what he calls ‘the strangest country in the world’. The author examines themes that are famously Belgian, like comic books, mussels served with fries, cycle racing, art nouveau architecture and rain. But he also looks at some of the odd surprises of Belgian life, including vertical archery, grandmothers’ cooking, pigeon racing and the everyday expression ‘non peut-être’ (no maybe). You will find out about the monks who brew the best beer in the world, the largest dinosaur collection ever found, the longest tram ride in the world, the curious charm of ugly Belgian houses, and how a country can survive without a government for more than 500 days. This book is not meant to be an exhaustive guide to Belgium, but a personal pick of the icons that make Belgium unique, along with a selection of useful addresses to visit. The texts are accompanied by 100 original illustrations by Antwerp illustrator Emma Verhagen that capture the unique spirit of Belgium. Derek Blyth has lived in Belgium for the past 30 years. Long enough to know it is complicated. A former editor of The Bulletin magazine and Flanders Today newspaper, he has written hundreds of articles on Belgium, covering everything from abandoned zoos to obscure Belgian saints. He has shared his favourite spots in a number of bestselling guides including The 500 Hidden Secrets of Brussels (and Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges) and Hidden Belgium, and enjoys taking people on walking tours in these cities. Even if it always rains.

Genres: Travel, Belgium, Nonfiction, History

224 pages, Hardcover

Published November 4, 2020

Reviews

[Ieva Andersone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly suggested before the visit to Belgium. I have been in Belgium for some 5-6 times, but have always discovered something new, and this book gave me even more new surprises. Did you know that saxophone was invented in Belgium? And Smurf’s? And even Audrey Hepburn was born here. Or just go and check out the hilarious Instagram account Uggly Belgian houses.

[Nickolette · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a good book for what it is. Not insulting to the intelligence. There is only one stricking, unforgivable ommission - Martin Margiela.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read to find out more about a country that isn’t talked about much: Belgium. I learned so many new things about Belgium by reading this book and now feel an even greater appreciation for the country. Blyth writes about the cute and quirky icons that make Belgium unique, ranging from its food, people and traditions to its geography, language differences and expressions. Each icon is described briefly and still in an engaging way. I would definitely say this book is not only a must-read for anyone visiting Belgium, but also just a fun book to read in itself!

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite Blyth book to date. It’s not an actual travel book like the “500 Secrets” series. This is different than those guides full of plugs for specific shops and cafes and sites. Blythe highlights 100 persons, places and things that are noteworthy to understanding that elusive concept of “Belgitude”. This is not a travel companion book but a good read prior to a visit and would makes a nice souvenir read. About 30 of these “Icons” were new to me but I still learned some interesting details about things I knew.

[Kenny Ketner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun little book to learn more about Belgian culture!

[Alis Nersezova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, easy going, yet curious and honest book that captures the spirit of this strange, unique country.