Nederland Als Vergaderland

One of the most characteristic events of the Dutch social elite has to be conferences. Warriors, courtiers and entrepreneurs have slowly but necessarily turned into professionals in the field of conferences. This book is the first sociological study on conference. It goes beyond where Norbert Elias theory of civilization ends. Wilbert van Vree shows how from the middle ages up to modern times people have fought for their future by means of words. The results are surprisingly refreshing; it gives a new perspective on meetings and the meaning of this activity for the development of Dutch society.