‘The Maritime Canon’ compiles the maritime history of Flanders
‘The Maritime Canon’, a comprehensive maritime history of Flanders, has on Friday been presented at the Port of Ostend. The three-volume work of more than 2,000 pages shows how the sea, shipping and ports have shaped Flanders' prosperity for centuries.
The new book covers the golden ages of Bruges and Antwerp, but also narrates the history of the various Flemish ports, rivers, canals, voyages of discovery and legendary ships. It features numerous illustrations.
The Port of Ostend, where the work was presented, is also extensively portrayed in the book. “Ostend is one of the great, centuries-old Flemish port cities, with a very rich tradition of fishery, privateering, merchant shipping, connections with England, marine science and coastal tourism,” said Dirk Declerck, CEO of the Port of Ostend.
“I dream of a Flemish Maritime Museum, for which I provide the stories with my book"
The book is written by Antwerp professor Eric Van Hooydonk, who is affiliated with Ghent University and has more than 35 years of experience in maritime history research. “I hope that The Maritime Canon of Flanders can spark the interest of Flemings in history, and especially maritime history, and help them understand the vital importance of the maritime factor for Flemish prosperity,” he stated.
He also hopes that the work becomes the basis for more scientific research in this domain. “I furthermore dream of a Flemish Maritime Museum, the VLAMM, for which I provide the stories with my book,” he said.
#FlandersNewsService | Aerial view of Antwerp with the Antwerp port © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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