This is one of those magnificent books for the specialist that stay below the radar of a general readership in History. The short narrative of the attack on the fortress of Maastricht is the stuff of martial legends, and worth the price of the book. G. Parker has become the foremost historian in English of Spain in 16th & 17th Century and specifically of the 30 Years War. This splendid monograph is the gold on the background of the Tercio's banners.

Unlike many guidebooks on the Netherlands that only highlight major cities, this book lists practically every city in the country. If you are looking to see the real Netherlands (beyond Amsterdam) this is the book. It also has really good color photos and a bonus fold-out map. My travel agent recommended the Baedeker series as the 'definitive' guidebook series, and the one he uses himself.

What is wonderful about this book is that not only do you get detailed maps with good directions, but there are also overview maps so that you have a sense of where you are in the countries. Everything that you need for a great cycling trip is included, transportation to and within the countries, a few accomodations (and especially where there are no accomodations), noteworthy sites, restaurants and prices. The routes are generally circle routes with side trips and also connect with each other with both total mileage for the whole circle and sectional mileages. Because this book is well organized with excellent maps - I will definately go to Benelux for a leisurely cycle tour - and probably more than once.

I enjoyed reading the book tremendously. Brian's humour is in the great English tradition of geniuses like Ben Elton, Tom Sharpe and John Cleese. Not to mention Benny Hill. Oh, no sorry, I mean: don't mention Benny Hill. As to the ending, a touch of the surreal. Really, could it be, would it work? Could a real Englishman do what Henry did?

A must read for anyone who wants to enter the collective psyche of those two great peoples, the English and the ummm.... ummm... for anyone who wants to enter the psyche of those two strange peoples, the English and the Dutch.

I got this from my university's library, so I don't even know if you can still buy it. It was a good read, if you like history, of course. I read it because i'm going to be doing a study-abroad there and wanted to now some about the country.

This is one of the most outstanding books one can read regarding the history of the jews. It is written by one of the most intelligent writers I have seen. Expressed in perfect detail. Deserves a Pulitzer.

I'm preparing for my second trip to Amsterdam, so when reviewing guidebooks for this second trip, I have some idea of the places the guidebook is discussing.

Fodor's Gay Guide to Amsterdam is the best of the many guidebooks I've reviewed. It is well organized, and Andrew Collins communicates in his writing how this exciting city really is, a vibrant wonderful place with endless things to see and do, for anyone, gay or straight.

If you're looking for a good guide to make your trip a success, then this is the guide for you.

I work in a specialty beer store, where we sell domestic and imported beers and assorted paraphernalia. I'm also responsible for ordering the beers, and I've found this book, along with Michael Jackson' book on the same subject, to be essential tools in studying Belgian beers. Tim Webb and his associates have obviously put a lot of work into understanding these very distinctive beers, and whenever I've tested their perceptions against my own, I've been amazed at their consistency and good sense.

450 copies available at le.bon.livre@internet.lu

This is a "must have" book for visitors to Holland I only wish I had owned this book from day one, or even before I came to Holland. Its format is very clear and easy to follow and I can imagine I shall be dipping in and out of it for a long time to come. Part I, the main section, is dedicated to sightseeing, museums and amusement centres. Each of the twelve provinces is given a separate chapter. At the beginning of each there is a small useful map showing main towns, major roads and the borders of the provinces. These do help the geographically challenged (like me) to become more familiar with the layout of this relatively small country.

An introduction to the history and folklore of each province makes interesting reading. Every chapter, with its extensive coverage of museums, galleries, historic sites, cities, towns, villages and picturesque countryside, definitely gets the message across that there is more to Holland than Amsterdam.

Part II, entitled "Living in Holland" provides a wealth of information, advice and contact addresses. It covers the culture, gives an insight into "the system", education, sports and entertainment. It also includes a useful calendar of yearly special events. This section provides the newcomer not only with a vast array of specific information, but also presents it in a very practical manner, clearly written by someone with a close understanding of Dutch life. It is without a doubt an excellent aid to the newcomer, to help them settle quickly into this unique little country.