11 Amersfoort books you really want to read

There are a lot of books written about and by Amersfoorters. Together with Library Eemland, I made a nice list of must-reads. The list ranges from inspiring reading books to delightful looking books.

Except for a single recent book, you can borrow all these books nicely from the library. Although, as a true boulder fan, some books you really just have to have on your shelf. ;)

1. Amersfoort festival city

Brand new is the book 'Amersfoort festival city'. Because if there is anything we can do here in Amersfoort it is build a party! This book shows that. It takes you into the history of festival culture, which developed from street theater to the annual festivities as we know them today. Featured are audiences, the many organizers, sponsors and policy makers. Although we won't experience many festivals, or in modified form, this summer, you can still get a taste of our local festival culture through this book.

2. Pub Characters

Inspired by the book "The Regular Boys" by Ed Suister, photographer and local Rob Acket started a very special project in November 2017: taking pictures of a whole bunch of Van Zanten's pub characters. Through beer mats, bills and WhatsApp messages, the short encounters came about in his studio. All people for whom the Kafé plays a role in their lives. The portraits tell a little story about a place that seems like just another place, but may not be.

3. The flow of the keistad; 25 years of Amersfoort hip-hop

Author Thijs Tomassen on this unique book: 'From the pioneers to the promises: in "The flow of the boulder city" they all tell about their roots, about boyhood dreams that came true, about self-expression and word art, about the highs and lows of their existence as artists, about their doubts and about the burning desires they still have. With pace and without restraint. Indeed, as only rappers can.

4. Heel Holland bakt

All true baking fans among us need no introduction, but how cool it remains to say that local Anna Yilmaz was the winner of 'Heel Holland bakt' in 2019. We Amersfoorters are pretty proud of that! For all home bakers, Anna wrote a book full of delicious recipes. It is a mix of traditional Dutch and typical Turkish recipes. Plus the recipe of her winning tulip cake.

5. Made in Amersfoort

Want to know what's going on in the creative industry in Amersfoort? Curious about the key players, the tastemakers, creative thinkers and doers? In the very first 'Made in Amersfoort book', nearly 100 Amersfoort creative entrepreneurs present themselves. The book gives a nice picture of what these Amersfoort entrepreneurs have to offer.

6. Diggy Dex

Diggy Dex (rapper, songwriter and slam poet) is one of the most famous Dutch-speaking rappers and hails from our cobbled city. He worked with many big names and was the first rapper to perform in a sold-out Carré. In the book'Taalkunstenaars' you get to know him through his lyrics. He shows you who the person behind the artist is. By reading the lyrics without music, they suddenly have a different effect.

7. Never received anything as a gift

This book features people who grew up in the Soesterkwartier and achieved great things despite, or perhaps because of, their origins. For example, did you know that these famous Dutch people originally come from the Soesterkwartier: wine farmer Ilja Gort, doctor and writer Ivan Wolffers, singer Conny Vink, fairground customer Coby van Voskuylen-Mol and the operetta king Johan Heesters. It also features people who may not be as famous, but certainly just as successful.

8. Amersfoort from the air

A beautiful viewing book where you get to see the most beautiful buildings of Amersfoort from above. With each aerial photo (nicely shot close-up) you find a short explanation of the history of the building concerned. There appear to be some surprises from above that you never see otherwise.

9. We, Amersfoort King's Day 2019

Want to relive that amazing King's Day in 2019? This book is a comprehensive account of that day. Mayor Lucas Bolsius wrote the introduction and a story of the city's history passes by in a bird's-eye view. After that, it's all about Kings Day. The entire walking route and all the special elements that could be seen there are shown in text, but also in pictures. With of course your enthusiastic Amersfoorters. Do you spot yourself?

10. Atmosphere

In October 2020, the book about the artist collective ATM Model Art was released. For twenty years they have been enriching the festival world. Most famous is probably our bull. Highlighting that one summer night when the bull disappeared and turned out to do a dance at festival Into the Woods! Currently working on Atmosphere with a top local team. Curious? You can buy the book here.

Amersfoortse 11. Muurhuizen

One of the most photographed spots of our historic downtown is probably Muurhuizen. Lovely to wander through, admire the gable gardens and dream away at the history of these houses. Always wanted to know more about Muurhuizen? In-depth archival research has uncovered a host of new facts about the history of habitation. Who lived or worked in these beautiful buildings? This book introduces you to almost five centuries of residents.