Charles De Coster's book "Flemish Legends" is an anthology of folktales and stories from the Belgian province of Flanders. De Coster vividly captures Flanders' rich cultural legacy and mythology in a sequence of engrossing tales. A wide range of characters, including bold heroes, crafty tricksters, and mythological creatures, are included in the book and are interwoven with enthralling and thought-provoking stories. "Flemish Legends" gives readers an insight into Flemish mythology and customs through the mythical exploits of till Eulenspiegel, a shrewd trickster, and the fantastical adventures of Reynard the Fox, a sly and cunning protagonist. De Coster leads readers to a world full of magic, intrigue, and moral lessons with her vivid storytelling and vibrant images. The bravery, humor, and resiliency that permeate the stories in "Flemish Legends" are a reflection of the Flemish people's values and beliefs. De Coster's writing captivates readers of all ages, whether she is narrating epic wars, comedic misadventures, or heartfelt love stories. This helps to preserve the ageless appeal and value of Flemish folklore for future generations.

New and comprehensive insights into the seminal events that shaped Belgian identity In 1790, between the birth of America (1776) and the creation of the French National Assembly (1789), nine provinces nestled between the French and Dutch borders declared themselves a new free and independent country: the United States of Belgium. Before then, the provinces had been part of the vast Austrian Habsburg Empire ruled by Joseph II. In 1789 revolutionaries from Brussels to Ghent to Namur recruited a grass-roots army that, to the surprise of many, successfully chased imperial forces from the majority of the territories. The exhilaration of military triumph and political independence quickly faded as revolutionary factions fought each other and the European monarchies became more nervous in the face of French radicalization. Yet, the course of events had fostered the solidification of a new identity among the provinces’ inhabitants: Belgianness. This is the story of the emergence of Belgianness in the crucible of revolution. The United States of Belgium tells the story of the First Belgian Revolution before the creation of a language barrier between French and Dutch. It incorporates over 50 contemporary images of the revolutionary era.

Mary Thorp, an English governess working for a Belgian-Russian family in German-occupied Brussels, kept a secret war diary from September 1916 to January 1919. This long-forgotten diary sheds light on an important aspect of the First World War: civilian life under military occupation in a transnational conflict.

-- Cheryl A. Wall, Rutgers University