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 historical 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.
