4 comments about Frommer's France 2007 (Frommer's Complete).

1. This book looks like it would be pretty good if you were going to Paris, but I visited the French Riviera. I purchased the Fodor Provence & Cote de Azur book at it was much better for this region.



2. I usually am very pleased with Frommer's guides and tend to use them over other sources every time I travel. However, on my recent trip to France, I found some flaws with my copy of Frommer's France 2007.
   
   First off, I have always liked that they include a foldout map with most books, to give you more details than can fit on a small page. However, I'm confused as to why this guide to the whole country came with a foldout map of just Paris! Was this a mistake? I really could have used a map of the whole country, and the only offering in this guide is on pages 28 and 29. It shows only select cities and roads. In addition, it shows each of France's major regions, and it appears to refer you to each section of the book covering that region. Unfortunately, the page numbers are missing (i.e. Burgundy p.)!
   
   I also found a confusing review of the restaurant in one of the hotels in which we were staying. On page 204, the review of the Grand Monarque Best Western says, "The hotel has an old-fashioned, unremarkable restaurant." Facing this review, on page 205, the same restaurant is reviewed, "The best food, and the most upscale dining ambience, in Chartres is now featured by the town's best hotel..." It goes on to describe the wonderful food and atmosphere. Seems there was plenty to "remark" about after all! The restaurant is clearly labeled as being located in the Grand Monarque Best Western. There was only one restaurant in the hotel, so which review didn't get edited out?
   
   After seeing these few flaws, albeit probably due to editing, it makes you wonder if you really have the best source of information for your trip.



3. Was very disappointed in the book. Had heard a lot about Fromers and decided to try a different perspective for my recent trip in France. I ended up tossing the book after just a few days in France. No history or interesting factoids or clear maps on many of the different regions -the book mostly focussed on Paris and I think caters to the more affluent, simple minded, amateur traveler.



4. Purchased this book along with Rick Steves book. Sorry, but this book is not as interesting or exciting as Rick Steves book. Also, for my needs it was not as informative as Rick Steves book.

No comments about The Rough Guide to Devon and Cornwall 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides).

1 comments about Let's Go Amsterdam 5th Edition (Let's Go Amsterdam).

1. As usual, Let's Go has written an excellent guide for the city you need. Especially, it is filled with $ saving tips and side trips -- no $200 a night hotels wasting half of the book.
   
   Most importantly, though, Amsterdam is a special city. The governmental tolerance there (even if you do not choose to partake in the famous vices of this flowing canal metropolis) can be felt. For me, I was both happy and sad. Happy to be in a place where it is legal to do almost anything as long as you are not hurting anybody. Sad because part of me wonders how much my inner self has been diminished by growing up in a relatively fascist state.
   
   Anyway, this guide leads to very inexpensive hotels, bars, "coffee shops," museums, and all that this wonderful place offers. It also includes some places with more bling if you want to splurge. Let's Go Amsterdam delivers a difficult and delicate city guide with professionalism, class, and the necessary cautions for a culture that resembles our own quite little.

3 comments about Book Lovers' London.

1. Book hounds planning a visit to London shouldn't leave home without this title in hand: it is a virtual treasure trove listing new and used bookstores, libraries and specialty collections, and auctions, charity shops and more. Hours, tube directions, and specialties are covered in enough detail so any traveler can plan in advance. Indispensable.



2. I bought this before a trip to London. It was quite helpful. I came back with an obscene haul of used books from stores I would not have found otherwise. For those interested in books who are going to London this will be a valueable asset to you.



3. I wanted a reference that would help me find the best second hand book shops in London so that I can plan my shopping and browsing whilst I am in that city in February. This book has it all - clear descriptions, addresses and tempting opportunities beyond my initial plans. If you going to London or live in London, and love books then Book Lovers London is perfect for you.

5 comments about A Fez of the Heart: Travels around Turkey in Search of a Hat.

1. Brits are much more tolerable when they are making fun of themselves. When I finished reading this book, I felt that the author's main objective was to make fun of Turkish people. The book is full of manipulated historical references and mistranslations. Either J. Seal doesn't know Turkish as much as he claims or he deliberately mistranslated words just to be funny. "Menemen" doesn't mean "Omelet" and "Antep" does not mean "Pistachio".



2. This book really gives the reader the feel of modern Turkey written in a very readable format. Having just been in Turkey in April, this book increased my insight into this fascinating country.



3. In this book Mr. Seal carries on the time-honored tradition of British travel writing by depicting the natives as primitive but hospitable and sometimes friendly monkeys. We read on the back cover of the book that Mr. Seal is fluent in Turkish. This is surprising, given his translation of the name of the city of Gaziantep as "Warrior Pistachio" (see the map on the first few pages). I guess his confusion, if there is any, arises from the type of pistachio sold in markets as "Pistachio from Antep". Also, the name of the city of Menemen is translated as "Omelet", but this is as if one translates the name of the city of Vienna as "Schnitzel". I would be interested in reading Mr. Seal's deep analysis of origin of names of perhaps, Liverpool and Arsenal. All I can say is, Mr. Seal, please first grow up and then write another travel book.



4. I read through the reviews of this book, and must agree that some historical interpretations (and even some facts) appear to be misguided. That doesn't mean that it is not an enjoyable book.
   A fez of the heart wasn't meant to be a history book, it is about the travels of an educated outsider expressing his views about turkey. As a turk, I had to laugh out loud at some of the mistakes he makes in his travels and how he misinterprets (or over analyzes) some of the things he encounters.
   What I found to be a redeeming quality of the book is the style it is written in. The framework of the fez makes the whole thing funny and worth a quick read.



5. I experienced a variety of emotions while reading this surprising book. My original enthusiasm and amusement soon gave way to startled dismay. For the first time in 13 years, I even felt fleeting doubts about the wisdom of having settled and raised my family here in Turkey. Now, however, as I go through the final mental digestion of this book, I realize that I was foolish to have taken the author's sophistic arguments so seriously.
   
   "A Fez of the Heart" is written in the first person, yet readers are told next to nothing about its author, Jeremy Seal. After a time I found myself wondering why I should take him seriously at all. Could the author have calculated that by neglecting to discuss his credentials his credibility may actually increase? He is not a historian or a sociologist; but then again one certainly doesn't need a humanities PhD to write a travel book.
   
   That said, this is not a book in the same deliciously hedonistic vein as "A Year in Provence." "A Fez of the Heart" is presumably serious travel history and satirical political commentary. Provocatively aggressive and deliciously politically incorrect it may be; but this work is also disappointingly one-sided. Crucial issues such as Islamic fundamentalism, Kurdish separatism, the semantics of Armenian mass murder and the status of the republic's modern Ataturk-born sociological and ideological paradoxes are genuinely important to the author, and he has made his own first step toward dealing with them. The sad fact is that, carried away by what he perceives as his irrefutable righteousness, Seal only weakens his positions by failing to anticipate and rebut obvious counterarguments. He supports his claims with the near-sighted research typical of one whose obstinacy prevents him from seeing more than one side of an issue.
   
   As if that weren't enough, the author ultimately loses even more credibility through his chronic abuse of satire. He writes well and wittily, using a rowdy humor as the pretext behind which he presents his important and interesting topical agenda. But though he spares no one, not even himself, he too often sidesteps the substance of well-stated irony and goes for really cheap laughs. That's not to say that a serious book can't be funny or a funny book effective; but here is a belittling attempt to portray the complexly multicultural citizens of Turkey as mere tragi-comically de-fezzed simpletons. This is a grave mistake. In light of his criticisms and ridicule, Seal's occasional tone of sympathetic condescension is, at best, confusing.
   
   Seal's book begs many questions and accuses the modern Turkish state of serious social, political, cultural and humanitarian infractions. That's fine. But because he neglects to offer a well-rounded and - most importantly - geo-politically contextual account of the country's fascinating history and political affairs, the author fails to validate his own arguments. Essentially he says, "This is what I think, and people who agree with me think I'm right." Seal becomes mired in specious rhetorical impotence and ultimately falls short of convincing anyone of anything - even himself, as he limpingly pursues his admittedly unifying fez-search theme to the very end. Though it could have been so much more, "A Fez of the Heart" unfortunately reads like a travel hit-and-run. Heather Ozaltun/Izmir, 2008

5 comments about Spectacular Ireland.

1. I bought this book because my dad's side of the family is Irish and I'd hoped to one day go. The book is a gorgeous addition to my photography book collection...and my desire to go to Ireland has been upgraded from 'one day hope to go' to 'can't wait to go!'.
   --Vicki Landes, author of "Europe For The Senses - A Photographic Journal"



2. First of all, please note that this is a coffee table-type book. It is oversized and oddly-shaped. So if that bothers you, steer clear.
   
   BUT the size is very appropriate to the pictures! It's a large-rectangular book that fits the panoramic wide-angle photography inside of it! The photos are intensely colored and the paper used in side the book is a thicker, glossy high-quality paper. Some of the most gorgeous photographs of Irelands landscapes, castles and towns are in this book. It also includes a bit of history.
   
   FYI... the book normally comes with a slip-cover that has the same cover design printed on it that the actual book cover underneath has. Nice touch. A lot of books of this fashion do not have the same cover printed on the actual book itself, but only the slip-cover.
   
   Very nice. If you love photography or Ireland...or both....this is the book for you!



3. This is a great book to give to someone who will be traveling to Ireland in the future, has visited before, or is just a huge fan of this amazing country and wants a good coffee table book. The photos are gorgeous and really showcase the beauty of the Emerald Isle. There's also a great variety of photos: not just from one area of the country. It also gives you a bit of historical background. There are several pages that fold out to reveal huge panoramic shots. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Ireland. It really is spectacular!



4. This is the best photo book of Ireland I have seen over ten years, and the text is excellent.



5. This gorgeous giant book, measuring in at 16" x 12", capture the beauty and uniqueness of Ireland through spectacular photographs. At times in this book, not only do you see a panoramic photograph spanning two 16" wide pages, some actually extend further through a folding flap to measure over 38" wide! In addition to the beautiful photographs the authors have included detailed written descriptions.
   
   People of all ages that are interested in the history, landscape, and culture of Ireland will thoroughly enjoy this book. The list price is $75 according to the inside flap, making it a bargain at the current Amazon price.

3 comments about Top 10 Andalucia and Costa Del Sol (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE).

1. Those familiar with DK's Eyewitness Travel Guides should already know what to expect from this product--amazing photography, great illustrations, and average written content. It's not that Eyewitness is a poor guide; it simply concentrates more on the visual side of the house and the less on the written than say, Rough Guide or Lonely Planet. This is not really a horrible thing; Eyewitness Guides are my first choice in preparing to go to a country because they a) get you excited about it, b) put you in the proper frame of mind to go there, and c) point out many places, attractions, and events you will want to visit while there. As I stated, the photography is breathtaking, and alone is probably worth the price of the book. Although not all-encompassing, the book's delightful format and ease of reading more than compensate for anything lacking.

   The Top 10 Guide reviewed here is a smaller guide oriented towards providing-what else?-top 10 lists for the traveler venturing to Andalusia or the Costa del Sol. Just some of the lists presented are Great Beaches, Attractions for Children, Cultural Landmarks, Places to Eat, and many, many other (sometimes quirky, always entertaining lists). If you're looking for an inexpensive overview of places you'll want to visit while in this region, the Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide Series is for you.




2. if you don't want to carry a heavy guide book and just want the highlights, this was a fun and helpful book



3. I have taken this book to my travel to Andalucia this spring that included visiting cities such as: Malaga, Marbellas, Estepona, Ronda and San Pedro. Guide is small and easy to carry with quick overviews of cities, places to see, hotels to stay in and restaurants to eat at. If you are in the mood for driving (which is not too difficult), you will find a map in the guide as well. Pictures enclosed in the guide will help you decide places of interest you want to see most. The only thing I regret is not having enough time to visit Granada. Food, people, culture and arciteture are worth taking the trip in spite of the weak dollar. If you are travelling on the budget and have plenty of time, research carefully. You can get anywhere by public transportation which is much less expansive than taking taxi. Most of the group tours would cost you less that dinner for two in a resort hotel. If you are in Malaga, definitely visit the Pablo Picasso museum and the home where he grew up. Most people speak English, so even if you do not speak a word of Spanish, you will be OK.

No comments about Insight City Guide Paris (Book & Restaurant Guide).

3 comments about The National Geographic Traveler: France.

1. Of all the guide books on travelling in France, i have found this one to be the most complete. It cover almost everything you would like to know about France. The maps for each area are correct and up-dated. All of recommements points are wounderful. When I told some French friends that what I have done in France with this book they are almost cry because I have been to some places even French didn't know. This book let you travel in France as easy as a bird and with their beautiful photos you really like to visit all of the places. Don't hesitate to get one before you travel in France. You will have a wouderful time there.



2. These are the best guides in the market! It is hard to believe that we are in 2001 and there are guides published with cheap paper, black and white pictures and some with no pictures at all. The National Geographic guides are perfect, with lots of usefull information and hundreds of pictures, so you have a better idea where you go and what kind of scenery you will find. Go for it if you are looking for quality.



3. Buying this book was vindicated last week when I had the opportunity of travelling around France for 10 days. Not knowing exactly where to go, I used the notes and colour pictures to identify potential areas of interest. Unlike many other guides this book wasn't cluttered with too much information (although I supplemented with Lonely Planet on several occasions) and had some recommended routes for travelling. The book will now double in part as a photo album as I can recognise sites previously visited. If I had to pick one book this would be it for areas of interest to see. If you require information on accomodation, places to eat this may not be the best option. As an aside some hints for future French tourists: camp sites are everywhere, go to the local tourist office and ask, many of them are sign posted as you enter towns, villages etc. Travelling on the Autoroutes is fabulous but expect to pay tolls via the peages. Arrive early to avoid the influx of tourists (of which I am admittedly one!!)

No comments about Time Out London Bars, Pubs and Clubs (Time Out Guides).