How did Brussels grow from a small settlement in the marshy valley of the River Zenne to become the capital city of the Netherlands, of the state of Belgium and of Europe?

Brussels historian Dr. Paul De Ridder outlines the city's development in a very readable outline, set against the background of the history of the Netherlands. He looks at political developments, but also explores events and trends in the social, economic and cultural fields as well as in the arts.

PAUL DE RIDDER (° Ukkel, 1948) is a Doctor of Medieval History and works at the Albert I Royal Library in Brussels.

Translation: Lieven DEPRETTERE

This book is also available:

• Dutch (8th edition, 2005)
• French (3rd edition, 2002)
• German (3rd edition, 2002)
• Italian (1rst edition, 1997)
• Spanish (1rst edition, 1997)
• Portugese (1rst edition, 1999)
• Russian (1rst edition, 1997)
• Arab (1rst edition, 2001)
• Japanese (1rst edition, 2001)

You can order your copy online:

1) by placing an order at the:

Vereniging voor Brusselse Geschiedenis
(Association for Brussels History)
Sint-Kristoffelstraat 12
B-1000 Brussels
Tel.: +32 (0)2 514 05 11
e-mail

2) by transferring 10 € + 2 € (for foreign shipments we have to ask 2,5 € extra) to the following Belgian bank account

430-0269921-58
IBAN: BE95 4300 2699 2158
BIC/SWIFT: KREDBEBB
Vereniging voor Brusselse Geschiedenis
(Association for Brussels History)
Kerkstraat 243
B-1851 Grimbergen

3) as soon as we received your payment we will send you your copy