Win! Derek Blyth's new book, 100 Belgian Icons

A new book in English celebrates "the strangest country in the world" through 100 Belgian icons.

Former Bulletin editor-in-chief Derek Blyth has selected 100 icons that make Belgium different from any other country - including food, people, places, traditions, inventions, buildings and even expressions.

Alongside famous Belgian icons such as comic books, mussels served with fries, cycle racing, art nouveau architecture and rain, you'll also find some more surprising elements of Belgian life, including vertical archery, pigeon racing and the everyday expression "non peut-être".

You will find out about the monks who brew the best beer in the world, the largest dinosaur collection ever found, the longest tram ride in the world, the curious charm of ugly Belgian houses, and how a country can survive without a government for more than 500 days.

The texts are accompanied by original illustrations by Antwerp illustrator Emma Verhagen that capture the unique spirit of Belgium.

Blyth has lived in Belgium for the past 30 years and has written hundreds of articles on Belgium, covering everything from abandoned zoos to obscure Belgian saints. He has shared his favourite spots in a number of bestselling guides including The 500 Hidden Secrets of Brussels (and Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges) and Hidden Belgium.

100 Belgian Icons (hardback, 232 pages) is out now, in English, published by Luster, €19.95. Sorry! Our prize giveaway has now closed and the winners have been notified.