A Cross-Cultural History of Britain and Belgium, 1815-1918: Mudscapes and Artistic Entanglements

This book explores the cultural entanglement between Britain and Belgium during the period between the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War, highlighting the ways in which the battlefields of Waterloo and Ypres became burial grounds for British military, leading to intense ties between the two countries. It reveals unknown links between famous artists on both sides of the channel, emphasizing an artistic cross-fertilization found in battlefield literature throughout the nineteenth century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the intricate cultural entanglement that emerged between Britain and Belgium during the captivating period between the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War. As the nineteenth century unfolded, the hallowed battlefields of Waterloo and Ypres in Belgium became sacred grounds, serving as the final resting place for countless British military personnel. This tragic convergence of events inadvertently fostered the most profound and enduring ties between the two nations. By embarking on a dual exploration of this historical trajectory, the author uncovers a fascinating tapestry of cross-influences and artistic similarities within the vibrant Belgo-British artistic community. Furthermore, the book sheds light on the backdrop against which the British national identity was painstakingly constructed. Through the revelation of previously unknown connections between some of the most renowned artists on both sides of the Channel, such as D.G. Rossetti, Jan Van Eyck, Christina Rossetti, Fernand Khnopff, John Millais, Pieter Breughel, and Lewis Carroll, the book highlights a remarkable artistic cross-fertilisation that permeated battlefield literature throughout the nineteenth century. Examples from the likes of William M. Thackeray, Frances Trollope, and Charlotte Brontë serve as poignant illustrations of this intercultural exchange. By offering a comprehensive intercultural history of Belgo-British relations post-Waterloo, this interdisciplinary work appeals to scholars and students engaged in the study of history, literature, art, and cultural studies.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030879280
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022