Encyclopedia of Ghent (Gent / Gand)

The Belgian city of Ghent (Gent in Flemish, and Gand in French) has played a major part in the history of the Low Countries and Flanders, including a pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War. The future Holy Roman Emperor Charles V was born in the city and during the Reformation, it was the scene of regular clashes between Catholics and Calvinists. Its citizens were involved in the War of Spanish Succession; the War of the Austrian Succession; and the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. With the return of Napoleon to power in 1815, King Louis XVIII of France took refuge in Ghent where he had his horses saddled and carriages packed waiting on the outcome of the Battle of Waterloo. Since 1833 Ghent has hosted regular, now annual, flower shows. With the World Fair held at Ghent in 1913, the old castle was renovated and it remains a major tourist attraction, along with the architecture, other museums, artwork such as the Ghent Altarpiece, the canals, cuisine and beer which all go to make Ghent a major city for tourists from all over the world. The book, the first of its kind on Ghent, has entries on the history of the city, buildings, institutions and famous people. It has over 1,100 illustrations, many of which have not previously been published.