The Low Sky: Understanding the Dutch

Very well written. I think you will really enjoy this.

This book is a very interesting and very revealing analysis of Dutch culture and Dutch character. Although Horst is an insider, he seems to be well aware of the kinds of questions that outsiders have about Dutch culture. As an insider, he has a thorough understanding of what makes the Dutch tick. The book is organized into the 6 broad tropics that anthropologists at the Tropen Museum in Amsterdam have identified as characterizing the Dutch: egalitarian, utilitarian, organized, trade-oriented, privacy-minded, and having a debt of honor. At times, however, this division seems to be overlaid onto the book, rather than providing an essential framework. Inside each chapter, Horst meanders through a wide range of information, interweaving such details as a synopsis of Dutch history, an analysis of modern politics and politicians, lyrics from popular music, and sample lonely heart classifieds. At all times, the focus is on the Dutch mindset, Dutch attitudes, and where they come from. I found the book to be very informative, and I would recommend it to anyone planning a long or short visit in the Netherlands.

Simply, this is the best book I have read on understanding Dutch society. If this type of thing interests you, then try to locate this book. I don't think you will be disappointed.

This book was recommended to me by the Director of Cultural Affairs at a foreign embassy in the Hague as the best book available for understanding contemporary Dutch society. It's informal yet thorough, clearly written, and eminently practical. Neither academic nor touristic, the book is ideal for people from a foreign country who are moving to the Netherlands or will be spending a good quantity of time there. I bought my copy in the Netherlands at Veenstra Bookhandel in Amsterdam.

Un essai fort intéressant rédigé par l'historien Han van der Horst qui traite, en 6 chapitres, du peuple néerlandais sous diverses facettes. Parmi les sujets traités, comment la lutte perpétuelle contre les eaux forge une nation, le rapport des Néerlandais à l'argent et aux affaires, la fameuse politique de consensus, le caractère type du peuple Batave, etc... "The Low Sky" a le mérite d'exposer ses sujets en profondeur et par là-même, de se distinguer des ouvrages plus légers que l'on trouve généralement dans la section tourisme des librairies! Ce travail est loin de rivaliser avec les essais de Simon Schama ou d'Israel, mais il est relativement court, instructif et agréable à lire. P.S. Ce titre est disponible, en anglais comme en néerlandais, dans n'importe qu'elle librairie des Pays-Bas!