Amsterdam

  15 Reviews

With its prominent red light district and freely available recreational drugs, Amsterdam's reputation as a hotspot of Western liberalism is well known, but what about those stolid burghers of yore? This book reveals the history behind Amsterdam's transformation from marshy swampland to sophisticated city and everything in between.

Whether you are an intending traveller or a European history enthusiast, this book ticks all the boxes with its comprehensive facts and anecdotes and its examination of the events, people and ideas that created Amsterdam and continue to influence its evolution today.

Reviews

INVER 024

23-01-2024

Really enjoyed this book - a fascinating history of the world really.

DARF 004

09-10-2023

Took a while to get through, but was well worth it. We already used some of the knowledge gained at our local quiz night.

THAM 002

15-09-2023

Well-written book, and extremely enlightening. We learned so much of the history and the attitudes that have impacted the world.

HAMIL 003

10-12-2021

Even split between those who thought it was "too meaty" and those who loved it.

TURA 003

06-01-2021

Overall impression of the book was a good one, despite the initial struggle to engage. Once the readers had got over the slow start and the "heaviness" in some parts, the book touched on so many and varied subjects in relation to the Dutch culture and the influence that they have/had around the world. The book gleaned much discussion and once again, not a book many would have chosen, but in the end majority enjoyed.

COROM 002

04-03-2020

Quite a wonderful book, most of us thought...So full of interest in so many spheres - who would have thought history could be so gripping! Then there were the philosophers and artists, the men and women of science and industry and politics, whose stories were told so interestingly. The development of ideas - we were not aware that Amsterdam had such a pivotal part to play. Pictures too; and the notes and questions were very good as well. We could have discussed it for hours.

DANNE 001

26-02-2020

Excellent story. Those of us who read it were very vocal in our recommendation of it, one member bought her own copy for her family. The beginning and end chapters were the most engaging.

HOKITIK 001

27-08-2018

This was a fascinating book drawing together so many threads to chronicle an idea. Because of its density one member took notes as she read to keep track of it all. Another had to read only in snippets. The discussion roamed easily from one period of history to another, to church history and practice, to American universities, free speech in New Zealand, and safe guarding democracy... This book on the origin and development of liberalism suited our group well as a basis for lively discussion.

AUCK 008

27-08-2018

All in the group found this book 'hard work' but very worthwhile. The overall rating was a definite 5.

AUCK 210

30-05-2018

Fascinating book, full of interesting facts about Amsterdam and the Dutch; however many members felt that they became bogged down by the detail. Notwithstanding that, a great start to our BDS year!

AUCK 009

28-05-2018

We all loved it and have learnt a lot. Most said they couldn't put it down. A few quibbles about his writing style, but most were overwhelmingly positive. As often happens when we all like a book, there wasn't much discussion about its merits - more like surprise that the Dutch had achieved so much.

AUCK 332

28-05-2018

Our group found this book to be rather heavy going. While the facts were interesting and educational, the way it was written made it difficult to read. The pictures helped, but one's interest waned with no one finishing the book.

AKAR 002

28-05-2018

An excellent book provoking lively discussion. It answered all the many questions I've had after two visits to the city. It was easy to read even though jam packed with interesting facts. We were all educated by it and were impressed by the author's extensive research.

CHCH 320

28-05-2018

For some , it wasn't an easy book to get in to, but those who did really enjoyed it and learned heaps from the content contained. The author had clearly put in some heavy research to present 'quirky' facts about Amsterdam. This resulted in lively discussion and fun anecdotes from those who have worked in or travelled to the city.

OPOTI 001

28-05-2018

Everyone enjoyed the way history was presented in this book. All thought it is a book they would not normally have read, but were pleased they had.