2 comments about Turn Left At The Pub: 22 Walking Tours Through The British Countryside.

1. I took the very first edition of "Turn Left at the Pub" with me on my very first trip to Britain in 1972, when I was a graduate student on a limited budget. Rather than doing the usual tourist stuff, I wanted to get a "feel" for what Britain was, and had been during the medieval period I was studying. This book was terrific: the authors offered fresh perspectives on popular destinations such as Bath and the Cotswolds, and their recommendations for "off the beaten track" walks in Cornwall were superb. The descriptions were informative, thorough, and great fun to read. Later editions of the book have updated the contents while remaining true to the spirit of the original. This is one of the best guidebooks I've ever used, and it has much to offer to the seasoned traveler as well as the person making a first trip to Britain. I highly recommend it.



2. I agree withthe high praise given this book by the previous reviewer, but I would not give the book five stars. While it covers many areas often neglected in tour books of Great Britain, it does not give the detailed information which distinguishes a truly invaluable guide.

   Twenty walks are included, though some are in the same location: Bath (2), Cambridge (2), Canterbury, Chichester, Church Stretton, Dorchester, Hay-on-Wye, Knole, Oxford (2), St. David's and Solva, Salisbury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Tenby, Wells, and York (2).

   Each walk is covered in eight to ten pages including a one or two page map (labelled with main thoroughfares only). The tours lead one to enchanting sites and draw one's attention to architectural and historical points of interest, but the narrative is minimal and so may detract from one's enjoyment of a place. No information is given about the approximate length of a walk or transport to and from the walk, nor niceties such as refreshments available along the way, but museums are listed with times (not phone numbers). There is good index.

   I would rate this book three-and-a-half stars but that is not possible. I will round up to four because I think that the spirit of this book is not to document every step of your way, but rather to help you enjoy the underdiscovered path; in that it succeeds, and would make a lovely supplement to a more traditional tour book.

No comments about Bicycle Touring in the Pioneer Valley.

No comments about New England Places, 21 Postcards.

No comments about The Hidden Inns of the Heart of England: Including Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Staffordshire and Warwickshire (Hidden Inns).

No comments about Memoirs of Hector Berlioz, Member of the French Institute, Including His Travels in Italy, Germany, Russia and England 1803 - 1865. Translated and Edited by David Cairns..

5 comments about Ghosts of the Northeast.

1. This is one of the best true ghost books that I've ever read, and I've read many. I would rank it high in my top ten. I thrilled to every page and had a terrible time trying to put it down even when my husband begged me to turn off the light and go to sleep. The information was presented concisely and deliciously, and I savored every chilling drop. But it gets better still as this is no book that you're apt to read in a single sitting and wonder what it was that you just ingested. This is a bounty of numerous spooky tales that will hold you enthralled with enough terrifying entertainment for a feast.
   
   Most of the stories are even accompanied by photos, a rarity in ghost books, which helps the reader visualize the haunts.
   
   In all, I can't recommend this book highly enough to ghost story enthusiasts who're looking for a good read and a bedtime chill. You'll gladly devour this book and wish you had more!



2. Mr. Pitkin has put together a stylish glossary of ghost stories, taking place in a series of Up State New York (among other places) Villages and Cities. Some hit close to home as I live only a short drive from where many stories are reported to have taken place. I bought two copies (one in a book store) and have lent it out to many friends who love it too. It is a wonderful book to take along on a country drive up and down New York State's open roads. The stories are told with honesty and an open mind, never attempting to capitalize on the "fright" factor, but instead bringing common sense to the stories, although there were one or two that had me sleeping with the night light on a couple of times. Truly one of the BEST books on true hauntings I have read to date. I look forward to more from Mr. Pitkin.



3. I'm an agnostic and a skeptic on the subject of ghosts, yet I found this book to be incredibly enjoyable and I was sorry to reach the end. I disagree with the other reviewer that these stories are Christian sermons in disguise. For starters, while Pitkin is obviously a "spiritual" person, he never indicates that he's a Christian. I do agree that he ends most of the stories on a heartwarming, spiritual note that I suppose could get old for some people; however, I wasn't irked by it--maybe because I took a while to read the book and therefore got it in smaller doses.
   
   I think if you're reading a book of "true" ghost stories authored by folks who believe in ghosts (whether or not you do), you should expect to hear a bit about their spiritual beliefs as well. Are there any books of "true" ghost stories penned by absolute skeptics? I don't think so...
   
   As for the stories, many are quite chilling, and Pitkin obviously knows his history. Most stories have accompanying photos of the houses, etc. in question, which is nice. The illustrations are mostly funny--actually, many of them are downright goofy. I was a little disappointed that there weren't more Massachusetts stories, as I live in MA. New York is well covered--I believe Pitkin lives there, and has written another book exclusively about New York ghosts.
   
   This is one of the two best books of "true" ghost stories I've read. The other is "Haunted Happenings," by Robert Cahill.



4. Don't expect to read this one over the coarse of a couple of nights- or even a week! You really need to set aside time to savor each tasty morsel, chapter by chapter, tale by spooky tale, to get all the enjoyment out of this book.
   
   Divided into categories like "Military Ghosts," "Restaurant Ghosts," "Animal Ghosts," etc, the book is peppered with actual photos of many of the haunted locales, plus eerie illustrations. Some stories are frightening enough to make the hair on your arms stand up, while others are comforting, in that they'll make you believe that there is an afterlife in which our departed loved ones are still watching over us... and occasionally making mischief!
   
   Another great book by a talented author.



5. I don't usually venture outside New England for my ghosts, but this bone-chilling collection was well worth every step of the journey! This is not a short read by any means. There are 380 pages of stories here, in fairly small print, and still you will wish there were more.
   
   The author writes primarily about his regional area of New York. His writing style is inquisitive, with much information based in fact. I enjoyed his well-researched historical information about the places he visits, and the photos he includes. He then pulls it all together with contemporary stories, including eye-witnesses, credibly told and concisely written. He writes with just enough speculation to make you think, and I also enjoyed his wry sense of humor. Because there are so many well-varied stories, it becomes evident how many common threads run through ghost encounters and hauntings. You will be fascinated by what these people have witnessed!
   
   It is tempting to read for hours once picking up this book. My advice would be to digest these stories slowly, if you can, to appreciate the full impact of each of these fascinating tales. I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking substantial goose-bumps.

No comments about Michelin New England Regional Road Atlas and Travel Guide.

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No comments about Our Sisters' London: Feminist Walking Tours.