Commentary
In 1998, Harry Pearson published a delightful book about Belgium, “A Tall Man in a Low Land.” In the introduction to his book, he recalled that, at a dinner party, one of the diners inquired as to why he wanted to author a book about such a “boring” country.
However, a reading of the book certainly reveals that Belgium, rather than boring, is in fact a fascinating country at the crossroads of Europe. It has a rich and colourful history, and it has produced fine artists, scientists, authors, and sportspeople.
Before its independence in 1830, foreign-based rulers governed the country. Belgium was also occupied by the Germans in both World Wars….