Xenophobe's Guide to Belgians

'The one thing that Belgians cannot abide, particularly the French-speaking Belgians, is to be asked if they are French. True to life, it sends Agatha Christie's Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, into near apoplexy. Belgians like above all to be practical, solid. They stand square and conduct conversation from the base of the neck. Courteous behavior is expected: it is the natural product of right-mindedness. It is also practical: that is how you get on in the world.' Xenophobia is an irrational fear of foreigners, probably justified, always understandable. Xenophobe's Guides - an irreverent look at the beliefs and foibles of nations, almost guaranteed to cure Xenophobia.Mason, Antony is the author of 'Xenophobe's Guide to Belgians', published 1999 under ISBN 9781902825199 and ISBN 1902825195.