Brussels/Bruges & Ghent Antwerp

by Antony Mason

One of the few guides giving thorough information on the region, especially Bruges. Cadogan's walks and tours explore the hidden sights as well as those you know you want to see, with practical information every step of the way.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference

388 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

Eighty books – seems a bit excessive, really, even to me. But this is the product of more than twenty years of writing. And I have to say that some authors in my field – illustrated non-fiction – have written twice, even three times, as many.

How did I get here? Well, I worked as an editor with a couple of small publishing companies in London for about ten years (1977–87), and then I turned freelance. Whenever any writing tasks were offered to me, I took them, and so gradually I made the conversion from editor to writer – although I still do both.

I think I always wanted to be a writer, penning short stories as a child. I also have an insatiable curiosity. This is how I’ve ended up in non-fiction, where my magpie instincts to investigate virtually any area of knowledge have served me well.

My primary skill – so I’m told – is to research a subject and then convert it into clear, accessible and engaging text for a general readership, or for children.

I also translate books from French, and write website content.

For a couple of years (2008–10) I was a tutor in writing at Goldsmiths, University of London, working as a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund. Latterly I have been closely involved in the Intergenerational Foundation, which aims to remind government and policy-makers of the need to think for the long-term to ensure an honourable and sustainable legacy to future generations.
Since 2011 I have also been writing as the ‘Brussels expert’ for the Daily Telegraph and the Telegraph online travel website.

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the main guidebook we used for the big cities of Belgium during our time there (2006-08). Like all DK books this was beautifully produced and also helped us get the most of our too-short time there. Bruges and particularly Ghent could have used bigger sections, but otherwise - a great guide, (although do buy one of the more recent edition).

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The guide is divided by area with restaurant reviews for each, as well as recommendations for hotels, bars, and places to shop. Top 10 lists include Top 10 purveyors of fine chocolate to the Top 10 Art Nouveau landmarks to the Top 10 restaurants, outdoor activities, shops, and hotels in the region. There's even a list of the Top 10 things to avoid. A very comprehensive and easy to carry overseas travel guide.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have the Belgium and Luxembourg book, then there's no need to purchase and/or read this book because I can't find any added information, however, if you will only be visiting these three cities, then this book will be a good fit. The book does come with a great tear out laminated map of the cities, which is nice.

[Katrina Vanderhulst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book on the flight over to Brussels. It was helpful that it included Bruges and Ghent, as I also visited there. I liked getting the lay of the land and understanding a bit more about what I was seeing. I enjoy the DK Eyewitness Travel Books because of the layout and organization, as well as the pull-out map which helps me plan my journey better.

[Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful even for someone who spent 50 years in Brussels!
If all Eyewitness Guides are this good, never leave home without the one which covers your destination.
Misses 5-stars however because too factual, not enough soft (cultural) info.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful. Would have missed seeing Michelangelo's Madonna and Child without this book.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_...

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best part of this book was the detailed maps of the city. The pictures inside are good but I prefer Rick Steve's tips any day.

[Rianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

17/40 books read in 2016.

Capitool reisgidsen zijn altijd super handig als je op vakantie gaat. De kaart is vooral veel gebruikt.