Roney (history, Sacred Heart U., Fairfield, Connecticut) presents an introductory overview of the culture and customs of the Netherlands, for students and general readers. Through eight chapters, Roney examines the geography, people, and history of the country; religious choices and philosophies; social and lifestyle issues regarding health and social welfare, tolerance for problems and controversial issues (prostitution and sex trade, euthanasia, reproductive rights, sexual orientation choices, drugs), family, gender, and education; holidays and leisure; housing; cuisine and fashion; literature from the medieval and Renaissance periods to the present day; performing arts and media; and the country's rich visual arts history. Illustrated throughout with b&w photographs and maps, the text also includes a chronology of key events from Medieval Netherlands to 2009. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)