1 comments about Lonely Planet Prague Encounter (Lonely Planet Encounter Guides).

1. I recently spent 4 days in Prague visitng a friend and decided to pick up this book right before I left. I am so glad I did! While I did have my friend with me to help me navigate the sights, I definitely could have done it all easily with this book. It is small and compact so it is easy to carry in a purse or pocket, and it is full of information and color photos, which I think help you understand and get your bearings when looking for something. It also includes a tear out map in the back of the book that has the metro lines on it, which are very useful and my recommendation for getting around the city. In addition to all of the information including the sights, places to eat, and where to go, it still gives you a bit of historical and cultural information about the city as well.
   
   All of the places my friend took me where in this book, including some of the best clubs to go to and the reviews were spot on. This is the book to get if you plan on spending a few days in Prague, as it gives you all the best information in one small package! A must have for anyone going to the city.

4 comments about This Is Venice.

1. Great book in great condition. Well packaged and received quickly.
   Thank you.



2. This is a lovely big picture book in a fabulous fifties sort of style - got it for my 9 year old, but because it is a big picture book, it feels like it' s for ' babies.' However, if she was a little younger - then the style wouldnt be quite appropriate either- too sophisticated. I think the real target audience is the parent.



3. I bought this book for my children because I remembered enjoying them very much when I was a child. My reaction now to the "This is..." series is that they are very superficial and light, but that misses the point. As an introduction to new places, to intrigue a child's mind without overwhelming him or her, they are great. The impart an excitement and an optimistic openness. So what that they don't tell the whole story of any city? They light the fuse for a curiosity that will last the rest of one's life. Besides, I very much enjoy that late 50's-early 60's confident characature style.



4. The illustrations and design of this book are delightful, as is the case with the others in the series. I wish, though, that the text were less focused on facts and figures and more on evoking the scene. It's not entirely clear to me that this volume works as a children's book, even though a city with water for streets and boats instead of cars has a natural appeal for young readers. I just don't think the text describes anything much they can 1) understand or 2) find interesting. If you plan to read this to kids, bring your imagination. I simply make up a different story to go with the pictures, and my neice and nephew love it.

5 comments about Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponnese (New York Review Books Classics).

1. In this entertaining book, Leigh Fermor describes his travels in the Mani peninsula, the southernmost and at the time of his writing, one of the least developed parts of continental Greece. Like some of his other books, this book describes a traditional society that was disappearing at the time of his writing. Mani combines some brilliant descriptive writing, particularly with respect to landscapes, keen social observation, and a series of historical asides inspired by his travels. All of these components are individually compelling and the quality of writing is unusually good. There are times, however, when some of Leigh Fermor's asides tend to overpower the primary narrative which tends to disrupt the narrative flow.



2. Leigh Fermor has written one (actually,two) of the best travels books in English, "A Time of Gofts" and "Between the Woods and the Water." This is not quite up to them--a bit of the edge has gone off the subject matter--but if you like showy, razzle-dazzle writing from a master stylist and raconteur, this will do very nicely.



3. This must be the quintessential summer read.
   
   While I was a bit put off at first by the exuberant luxury of the prose [at times I felt bludgeoned] and the rampant introduction of cultural terms I'd never heard before, it was also hard not to delight in a mind so cheerfully discursive.
   
   Do you need to be a Grecophile to enjoy an outing with Fermor and Mani? I should think not. But you'll need to bring your own map.
   
   Interestingly, it seems that the covers of Mani and Roumeli on the Amazon sites were swapped for mysterious reasons.



4. What a marvelous book! And written by a true, heroic genius. Fermor, a still living legend, seems to have disdained self-promotion, but upon reading a few pages of this book, you realize you have encountered a rare individual.
   
   First, his writing. Encyclopedic, detailed, sensual, and imaginative. It exemplifies the finest characteristics of travel writing, and best of all, he explores a remote, largely unknown and distinct region of the world, the Mani. This area is a fine example of the fierce, independent Greek spirit. Fermor chronicles it through a bold exploration with his companion and future wife, Joan.
   
   He understands the Greek mindset exquisitely well. The author is a gifted, self-taught linguist, and it is apparent that he concentrates on listening and observing intensely, then transforming his experiences into fascinating, readable prose. He comprehends the heart of the Greek people, and conveys it with an extensive knowledge of history.
   
   Critiques? His fertile mind is so hungry that he tends to over-describe. Better to allow the reader the pleasure of using his or her imagination than recording every little detail with brilliant metaphors. You could also say he rambles, but that is common with travel writers.
   
   Conclusion? A classic, but like most classics, not an entirely easy read. In the end, extremely worthwhile reading.
   
   Reviewed by David Lundberg, author of Olympic Wandering: Time Travel Through Greece



5. I'll just defer to the other reviewers on this page since their views of this wonderful book agree with mine. Fermor is a treasure. I've read all of his books and enjoyed them.

2 comments about Dutch: Lonely Planet Phrasebook.

1. A phrasebook to a perennial European favourite that's changing rapidly. This simple pronunciation guide offers intuitive navigation for finding the right phrase. It includes a two-way dictionary packed with 3,500 words.



2. I have several Dutch phrasebooks and this is the latest one I bought and the best. I would say if it isn't the best it is one of the best dutch phrasebooks out there. I recomend this book for people moving to the Netherlands or even if they are staying for a short stay. Yes, most all Dutch can speak a good amount of English but you get really far with them if you at least try to speak Dutch. There is a food section that I found helpful several times when the waiter or waitress doesn't know what the item is in English. It also includes and English-Dutch dictionary in the back. It has great phrases from going to the bank to hanving sex with them written out in Dutch and then again in English. Make sure to purchase for you trip to The Netherlands.

3 comments about Living and Working in Britain, 6th Edition: A Survival Handbook (Living & Working in Britain).

1. I am a reader of the 2nd edition of this book, as I have not got the 3rd edition that , sorry, just give you some comment to the 2nd edition. I believe, however, you can glean how good the 2nd edition is. Firstly, it give some hits of writing a cover, or , what essential information should be given i your cover letter. For instance, you should tell the potential employer whet you are available to attend the intervew. Secondly, What visas/permits would you be necessary to got. Thirdly, after arrival, the first stuff you have to do is how to fight with " Customs Not only those information, it also drops the hints down, say, the issue of accommodation, public transport, insure , etc.. Indeed, I highly recommend this book to whom want to work in the UK.



2. This is a great resource that encompasses all the concerns that a person would have if considering moving to Britain! The book is well organized and easy to understand.



3. Very comprehensive book, that helps you better understand what to expect when you move to a new country. Covers a diverse series of themes.

5 comments about The Journals of Captain Cook (Penguin Classics).

1. This re-issue of the Beaglehole edition of the Cook journals attests to the enduring importance of Cook as the exemplar navigator and Beaglehole as his nautical Boswell.

   The writing is elegant and subtle and the fascination of the recital enduring.

   Best there is no other!




2. This well prepared abridged edition of Captain James Cook's journals is a specialized book of interest to people studying the exploration of the Pacific and/or the British Navy of that time period. Other people might find sections of it dry reading. The book is recommended for oceanography students as the 17th century voyages of exploration formed the basis for later oceanographic cruises.

   Cook's voyages carried scientific personnel of that time period, many of whom died from the harsh conditions along with members of the crews. In addition to bad weather, there were diseases and hostile natives (including cannibals). Extensive charting was carried out and, on the second voyage, the Board of Longitude supplied Cook with Larcum Kendall's copy of John Harrison's H4 watch for determining longitude. Observations were made of prevailing winds, currents, temperature, and other things of scientific interest.

   Natives throughout the Pacific would go to great lengths to obtain iron, expecially axes, even prostituting their wives and daughters (willing or not). Natives would attempt to steal items, if they could, leading to numerous confrontations including one in which a boat crew of the Adventure (the consort ship of the second voyage) were killed and eaten by the Maori natives of New Zealand.

   Cook's journal ended several weeks before his death. The editor fills in details from journals of other people who were on the voyage, and speculates on the reason he was killed by the natives in Hawaii.

   The book includes maps of Cook's routes on his voyages. It also has an index listing the names of the various individuals mentioned, with an indication of their positions on the voyages or their other positions if they were not active participants.




3. This is a spectacularly interesting journal. Cook was an odd sort, that's for sure. But a genius? I'd certainly say so after reading his often-daily account of his activities. Really neat book.



4. I wish I had read the reviews before paying for this. The key word for this edition is ABRIDGED. According to the editor Philip Edward's introduction, only about a third of Cook's/Beaglehole's text is included.



5. I wanted to like this book. I really did. When I saw it online, I thought that it looked interesting. The few reviews were favorable. I enjoy maritime tales, stories and life. I thought that pirates and life aboard ships were interesting decades ago.
   
   This was a slow, monotonous account. At least all that I could read for three days. Then I lost interest. I have read period pieces before. However the abbreviations and some of the words I just could not decipher.
   
   If you want to attempt to figure out this book, I wish you luck. If you do, maybe you could explain it to me. :)

5 comments about The Most Beautiful Villages of Provence (Most Beautiful Villages).

1. Provence is heaven to me.I love the hills, the variety of plant life, and the exquisite villages with their definitive shuttters and dove cotes. The fountains bubble with life. The cobbled streets lead to some of the most fetching homes and buildings in the world. The Provencal people dress their windows in lace and paint the exterior and interior of their homes in the colors found in the Provencal landscape: blue, yellow, ochre, greens. Terracotta roofs provide the most wonderful color and texture to the landscape. Somehow everything blends wonderfully! The creators of The Most Beautiful Villages in Provence capture the essence of this southern region of France. The photography vividly presents the viewer with a panorama of gorgeous scenes: fields of lavender, geraniums in pots leading to a beautiful door, roof top views that are breathtaking, undulating paths that take you to splendid spots, aerial views of villages, an old roman road and bridge. A friend of mine, who was born in Provence, gave me this incredibly beautiful book; the only thing better, she says, is to be there! I plan to take this book with me to Provence next summer!! After seeing this book, nothing can keep me away!



2. I am French and was born in Provence, so I have spent most of my days there, except when I travel and when I was modeling in the world of high fashion. I know every village, and I fly my plane over Provence many, many times. I bought this book because it is so beautiful and shows the many wonderful places in my part of France. I am not good at taking the pictures, like these men do, and besides, I always do the flying. My sister would have to do the picture making. If you buy this book, you will be able to see my beautiful Provence in the pictures whenever you want to. Provence is very old and very picturesque, that is why the photography is so good. If it was not a most beautiful place in the world, it could not be so beautiful of a book. I am French and so I know it is this beautiful. It is more beautiful in the real world, if you can even think that. We have lots of cobble streets. Everyone loves the flowers, so you will see most beautiful flowers everywhere you look in Provence. We have hidden waters that come out into our special fountains. Every village must have their fountains and some are very, very old and are more special than any place else in the world. We like things to be beautiful, so you never see anything ugly in Provence. The earth is very good to us. We have herbs growing everywhere in the countryside. Lavender, Rosemary, and Thyme, you can find just walking in our wonderful hills. We love colors in Provence. Blue, yellow, ochre,green, we like all of those colors. Marcel Pagnol lived in Provence, too. He made his films and his books because he loved Provence. He was French. If you want to see a beautiful book that will make you smile and smile, get this book, and then come see for yourself that I am lucky to be French and live in Provence most of the time...................... ................Presented to you by Summer



3. I bought this book thinking that it would show me not only nice pictures, but also information about the villages it supposedly considers the most beautiful ones in Provence. Pure disappointment... Even though the quality of the pictures is nice, they do not give you a true view of the relevant villages. They are pictures taken at random that do not represent - sometimes - the best view of the village.
   
   But what is most dissapoiting in this book is the poor information about the villages, its populations, culture and location. In my opinion, every descrition of each village should also contain a map of its location in southern France (for us to know how could one get there), its population (to see how big it is), a some info on the villages picturesque points, etc. The few paragraphs dedicated to each village are too vague.
   
   Finally, I think the editor should have made this book differently with half the villages and twice the pictures and info about them. I gave 2 stars for the pictures.



4. I love this book! It effectively captures the drama and charm of Provence. I have been to Provence and this book is the next best thing if you can't go there. I also highly recommend the other book "The Most Beautiful Country Towns of Provence".



5. France is one of my favorate places to visit and the book has picked a few of the places I have visited. Great Book to own.

5 comments about Rick Steves' England 2008 (Rick Steves).

1. This book is one person's opinion of what is worth seeing in England; it includes *only* those things, and nothing else. A full 24% of the book is taken up with London. That section includes helpful bus info that most guidebooks don't include, but, oddly, not a tube map so that you can think about connections ahead of time. Also lacking is a single map of the whole of London. Instead, there is a color map in the front of the book of only the most central part of central London, and then multiple small hand-drawn maps of individual areas of London. To figure out how to get from one place to another involves putting together a number of different little maps. In addition to the partial London map, there are maps of Bath and all of England at the beginning of the book; otherwise, all the maps are small and hand-drawn, which I found annoying. As examples of what you *won't* find in this book, there is nothing at all on Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Nottingham or Exeter, just to name a few. Personally, I would prefer to pay a few dollars more for a more comprehensive guide.



2. A useful guide, particularly for the Southwest. Could use more information about mass transit.



3. This is the third guide book from Rick Steves that I have used. Like the other two (Ireland and France) this one is exceptionally useful. Rick knows how to concentrate on the important things and he tells it like it is.



4. The Rick Steves guide books are invaluable tools when travelling abroad. He gives common sense ideas on what to see, where to stay and where to eat. Would never travel to Europe without his books.



5. Steves' guides are both entertaining to read and accurate. He gives great hints for travel and sights to see. I just returned from England and France, and we carried Steves' guides with us wherever we went. Specifics are great: trains to take, underground stations to use, times to arrive. Don't miss these guides for your trip!

No comments about Streetwise Dublin Map - Laminated City Street Map of Dublin, Ireland - with integrated Luas rail lines and stations.

1 comments about The Rough Guide to Berlin 8 (Rough Guide Travel Guides).

1. I really enjoyed using this guide. It was very informative and easy-to-navigate. I'd buy another Rough Guide in a heartbeat.