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

“The book revisits and expands on the author’s previous work on the connections between Belgium, particularly Flanders, and the United Kingdom. … At a time of rising cultural isolation, Demoor’s work—which can serve as selective reading but also works effectively when read in sequence—is a timely reminder of the relevance and importance of cross-cultural histories, and no doubt the work reshapes the understanding of British-Belgian connections.” (Christophe Declercq, Journal of British Studies, Vol. 64, 2025) 

“Demoor’s monograph is ambitious in covering more than a century of interactions across different cultural spheres. … The book offers plenty of thought-provoking material on the connected cultures of two European countries, based on the author’s original reading of a vast range of materials.” (Daniel Laqua, Victorian Studies, Vol. 66 (4), 2024) 

“This is a uniquely rich and stimulating study, which is sure to expand the horizons of researchers working in any of the numerous fields with which it engages.” (Adrian Armstrong, BAVS Newsletter, Vol. 24 (1), 2024)

“A Cross-Cultural History of Britain and Belgium, 1815-1918 explores the artistic connections and socio-cultural exchanges between the two countries from the Battle of Waterloo to the First World War. In a remarkable count of ten chapters, the book achieves its main objective … . Demoor’s revitalisation of the ‘historical, cultural, economic, and genetic’ (261) links between Britain and continental Europe serves as a timely reminder and celebration of their shared heritage and futures.” (Yimon Lo, BMGN - Low Countries Historical Review, Vol. 138, 2023) 

“Cross-Cultural History of Britain and Belgium is particularly interesting. The way in which Demoor brings together death, mud and the birth of an identity is simply fascinating … .” (Marnix Verplancke, the-low-countries.com, August 12, 2022)