Oval Books: 25 books

A guide to understanding the Austrians that delves into the cultural curiosities and peculiar characteristics of this land-locked nation   "The Austrian needs lots of persuading to have his traditions tampered with in the name of modernization and efficiency. He is attached to...

Never overstep the mark Moderation-a treasured ideal-means a lot to the English. Their respect for it is reflected in their shared dislike of any person who “goes too far.”   Irrational rationality The English can admire something without enjoying it, or enjoy something...

Appearances are deceptive Never make the error of underestimating the Aussies. They love to portray a casual disregard for everything around them, but no-one accidentally achieves a lifestyle as relaxed as theirs.   Logic down under Aussies will twist any statistics to...

A polarized people The Poles are either bubbling with life, or comatose; they love or they loathe. It is this total commitment to the occupation of the moment which earns them the reputation of being mercurial. As Hemar wrote in his song: “If only Poles did systematically and economically...

Everything in moderation Denmark is a land of modesty and moderation. This is largely a consequence of the Danes' sense of social responsibility. The touchstone of any activity or point of view is whether it is samfundsrelevant*, that is, socially useful.*   That's not funny Danish...

An insightful, humorous look at Icelandic character and values.   *"*Not only has an Icelander held the title of World's Strongest Man, but there have been several Icelandic Miss Worlds. There have also been a surprising number of Icelandic chess grandmasters, and Iceland has...

Forewarned is forearmed-an irreverent look at the beliefs and foibles of nations, almost guaranteed to cure xenophobia.   This guide to understanding the Finns explores their national characteristics with humor and style.

Mountain mentality Swiss farmers are tough, independent, hard-working, resilient, well-prepared for every kind of natural disaster, and above all staunchly conservative. These characteristics have been passed on to Swiss town-dwellers, who go about their day as if they too were farming a lonely...

It's all in your mind The spirit of tolerance does constant battle with the ghost of Calvin for control of the Dutch psyche. Few Dutch people go to church anymore, but they don't need to. Inside every Hollander's head is a little pulpit containing a preacher with a wagging finger.   Going...

A guide to understanding the Belgians, best known for their fine chocolate, reveals a humorous and insightful view of the people.   "Belgians like above all to be practical, solid. They stand square and conduct conversation from the base of the neck. Courteous behaviour is expected:...

A guide to understanding the Greeks which takes an insightful, irreverent look at their character and attitudes   Xenophobia: an irrational fear of foreigners, probably justified, always understandable. Xenophobe's Guides: an irreverent look at the beliefs and foibles of nations,...