"In the first book to consider the hidden history of the Netherlands from a modern perspective, author Ben Coates explores the length and breadth of his adopted homeland and discovers why one of the world's smallest countries is so fascinating and significant. It is a self-made country, the Dutch national character shaped by the ongoing battle to keep the water out, its love of dairy and beer, its attitude towards nature, and its famous tolerance. Ben Coates investigates what make the Dutch, Dutch, why the Netherlands is much more than Holland, and why the color orange is so important. Along the way he reveals why they are the world's tallest people, and manage to be richer than almost everyone else despite working far less. He also discovers a country which is changing fast, with the Dutch now questioning many of the liberal policies which made their nation famous. A personal …
"In the first book to consider the hidden history of the Netherlands from a modern perspective, author Ben Coates explores the length and breadth of his adopted homeland and discovers why one of the world's smallest countries is so fascinating and significant. It is a self-made country, the Dutch national character shaped by the ongoing battle to keep the water out, its love of dairy and beer, its attitude towards nature, and its famous tolerance. Ben Coates investigates what make the Dutch, Dutch, why the Netherlands is much more than Holland, and why the color orange is so important. Along the way he reveals why they are the world's tallest people, and manage to be richer than almost everyone else despite working far less. He also discovers a country which is changing fast, with the Dutch now questioning many of the liberal policies which made their nation famous. A personal portrait of a fascinating people, a sideways history and an entertaining travelogue, Why The Dutch are Different is the story of an Englishman who went Dutch, and loved it. Ben Coates has worked at various times as a political advisor, corporate speechwriter, lobbyist, and aid worker. Ben has written articles for numerous publications including the Guardian, Financial Times, and Huffington Post. He currently lives in Rotterdam with his Dutch wife and works as an advisor for The One Acre Fund, an international charity"--
Review of 'Why the Dutch are different' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Uma leitura muito agradável e sucinta sobre a história dos Países Baixos, da fundação aos dias de hoje, intercalada com alguns episódios da vida do autor britânico naquele país. Algumas conclusões são um bocado forçadas, alguns clichés exagerados, mas no geral nota-se que é um livro fruto de profunda pesquisa. O título sobretudo é feito para vender e não reflete bem o conteúdo, por outro lado o desenho da capa é belíssimo. Uma ótima introdução ao país.
Subjects
Dutch National characteristics
Description and travel
BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Historical
Travel
Social change
Civilization
TRAVEL / Europe / Benelux Countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)