Stefaan Van Laere – författare

In ECHOES FROM THE PAST, Stefaan Van Laere brings ten famous figures from world history back to life in gripping stories filled with suspense, adventure, and surprising moments.What did the young pharaoh Tutankhamun see just before his world collapsed? Why did Alexander the Great keep pushing farther into unknown lands? How did Julius Caesar remain calm while others grew afraid? Why did Wu Zetian dare to challenge powerful men at such a young age? How did Queen Gudit rise from the mountains of Ethiopia to become a legendary ruler? Why did Joan of Arc refuse to flee the battlefield? What was Leonardo da Vinci trying to understand that others did not even notice? Why did Galileo Galilei keep looking at the stars, even when it became dangerous? How did Sacagawea guide explorers through an immense wilderness? And why did Rosa Parks change history simply by remaining seated?From ancient Egypt to twentieth-century America, each story takes the reader to a different time and a different world.With atmospheric illustrations and extra pages about daily life in those times, this book becomes an adventurous journey through history for both young and adult readers.About the authorStefaan Van Laere is a journalist, author, and publisher. History, adventure, and human stories have long been a common thread throughout his work. In ECHOES FROM THE PAST, he combines historical facts with immersive storytelling to bring famous figures from the past surprisingly close once again.

Whisky can be fascinating — and terribly confusing. Single malt, bourbon, rye, peat, cask strength, age statements, sherry casks and tasting notes that sometimes sound more like poetry than drinks. Where does a beginner even start?Whisky for Beginners takes away the mystery without taking away the magic.Written in a lively, accessible style and without unnecessary jargon or whisky snobbery, this book guides you from your very first questions to a genuine understanding of what is in your glass. You'll discover how whisky is made, why the cask matters so much, what "e;single malt"e; really means, and how Scotch, Irish whiskey, bourbon and other styles differ.The journey goes far beyond Scotland. Whisky is now made all over the world, from Ireland and the United States to Japan, continental Europe and a growing number of unexpected places. Along the way, you'll learn how climate, grain, water, wood and time shape the final spirit.You'll also discover how to taste whisky without pretending to be an expert, how to read a bottle label, when water or ice makes sense, how to choose your first bottle, and how whisky can even become an ingredient in the kitchen.Dozens of short A Sip of Knowledge features add surprising facts, history, myths and practical tips, while the whisky glossary gives you the vocabulary without turning the book into a textbook.And that is the real promise of this book: you may start as someone who simply orders "e;a whisky"e;, but by the final chapter you'll understand enough about malt, peat, casks, maturation, bourbon, finish and flavour to join a whisky conversation with confidence — and actually know what people are talking about.As a final dram, the book includes Drink of the Gods, a short story featuring Commissioner George Bracke, in which whisky, history and mystery unexpectedly meet.For anyone who wants to understand whisky, choose it more confidently, taste it more consciously — and above all enjoy it more.

SUPERFAN — A Tribute to Eddy MerckxWhat does it mean to be a true fan of the greatest cyclist of all time?For Gino Van Dierdonck, admiration for Eddy Merckx became a lifelong passion — and eventually the world's largest private collection devoted to the Belgian cycling legend.Superfan takes readers inside this extraordinary collection. Jerseys, bicycles, photographs, trophies, signed memorabilia and countless rare objects bring the career and legacy of Eddy Merckx vividly to life. But this is more than a catalogue of cycling treasures. It is also the personal story of a fan who followed Merckx for decades, met him many times and preserved a remarkable piece of cycling history.Alongside Gino's stories and memories, the book includes hundreds of images, unique memorabilia and contributions inspired by people who witnessed the Merckx era at close range. Veteran cycling journalist Robert Janssens, who followed Eddy Merckx throughout much of his career, helps place the collection in its historical context.The book also tells the story of the international Facebook community Die Hard Eddy Merckx Fans, founded by Gino and now bringing together almost 25,000 Merckx admirers from around the world.Originally published in print and already reaching readers in thirteen countries, Superfan is now available in this newly designed English edition.A richly illustrated tribute to Eddy Merckx, to his unparalleled career, and to the fans who continue to keep his legacy alive.For cycling enthusiasts, collectors, Eddy Merckx fans and anyone fascinated by the golden age of professional cycling.

YSEKINDFlanders, 1347.A voiceless boy emerges from the forests around Ghent and finds himself in a city torn apart by ambition, intrigue and shifting loyalties. While French nobles, English merchants and powerful local families compete for influence, strange events begin to unfold in the shadows of the medieval city. People disappear. Secrets are buried. And beneath the bustling streets, forces are at work that threaten far more than the fragile balance of power.Taken under the protection of the wandering monk Isidorus, Ysekind is drawn into a dangerous world of conspiracies, hidden alliances and deadly ambitions. As tensions rise and the first whispers of a devastating plague spread through the land, he discovers that survival will require more than courage alone. Some truths are worth dying for. Others can change the course of history.Richly researched and vividly told, Ysekind is an immersive historical novel filled with memorable characters, political intrigue, mystery and adventure. Set against the turbulent backdrop of fourteenth-century Flanders, it brings to life a fascinating world standing on the brink of catastrophe.Stefaan Van Laere is a Belgian novelist, journalist and publisher from Flanders. During a career spanning more than three decades, he has written numerous novels, historical works and non-fiction books and has become a well-known author in the Dutch-speaking world. Several of his works have been translated into English and French. Combining meticulous historical research with compelling storytelling, he brings forgotten chapters of European history vividly to life.Ysekind is the first volume in an epic historical saga set in medieval Flanders during the dramatic years leading up to the Black Death.