2 comments about Wallpaper City Guide: Barcelona (Wallpaper City Guide Barcelona).

1. True to it's brand, this Wallpaper* City Guide featured some of the Barcelona's best things to see and do.
   
   A big, honking drawback: the map is small and as a result is utterly useless. But the guide's other content is worth it. I also loved the section for notes (with matte-finished paper for easy writing) and sketches.



2. I was not happy with this guide, it was too clever for it's own good. There was not enough detailed, practical information....isn't that why one buys a guide? There were interesting points discussed, if the basics had been there I would have rated it higher. I liked the size, that's it.

5 comments about Passions : The Wines and Travels of Thomas Jefferson.

1. To the Jefferson buff and wine fanatic, this book is a rare treat. I ordered it after spending a long weekend touring the Virginia wine country and Jefferson's Monticello. What an interesting read - meticulously researched and well-written, the author is commended for taking a potential dry subject and bringing it to full-fruited life. A must for any Jefferson fan's library.



2. The preface to Passions quotes John F. Kennedy's toast to a group of Nobel laureates that "this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever gathered together in the White House -- with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone." James Gabler's unusual biography pays tribute to Jefferson's palate as well as his mind. Certain to succor the most serious oenophiles, it contains encyclopedic data on Jefferson's cellar and interesting trivia on the era's wines, many of which were far more distant in evolution from their modern incarnations than is often supposed. Moreover, by documenting the passion with which Jefferson devoured the world's great wines, Gabler offers an engaging perspective on the genius Jefferson manifested in all of his pursuits.

   Passions depicts Jefferson at leisure and does not emphasize his career as statesman except when necessary to develop the narrative. Nor does it address the controversy over Jefferson's moral character ignited by his complicity in slavery, a pointless debate which lamentably fixates modern revisionists. But despite its limited scope, in offering a more vivid account of Jefferson the man, Gabler's research probes certain mysteries about Jefferson's public life, particularly the question why, following his legendary work as a founding father of the nation, his Presidency was less successful. Gabler's Jefferson is a loner whose widowing as a young man left him heartbroken and somewhat estranged from the nation he sired. He sought comfort in a sort of exile across Europe, never quite establishing a home but immersing himself in the best of what its cultures offered. From Gabler's account, one surmises that Jefferson could have retired happily in that fashion but returned to Washington when duty obliged him to serve as Secretary of State, and then as President.

   Gabler's final chapters describe with mouthwatering clarity a series of dinners which Jefferson hosted in the White House for friends and fellow statesmen, which he funded personally despite his dwindling wealth. He served wine after dinner, but the meals retained about them some elements of the colonial frontier, with cider or porter's ale accompanying the food. At one such dinner, an invitee expressed surprise at receiving an invitation requesting the "favour of his company" on behalf of "Thomas Jefferson," rather than "the President of the United States." As such details suggest, these chapters are interesting evocations of a time when Americans' aversion to the trappings of entrenched power remained visceral. Gabler's accounts of these evenings also leave one warmed that a man so monumental as Jefferson seemed most content gathered around a table with old wine and old friends.




3. Passions: The Wines and Travels of Thomas Jefferson by James M. Gabler is a delightful book. If you think you know Thomas Jefferson guess again. The 18th century revolutionary also was the nation's foremost expert on wine.
   
   Gabler follows the travels of Jefferson through France and Italy when Jefferson was in his early 40s. Every wine Jefferson ever drank is listed in this book, as was the commentary on how he traveled and what he saw during that era.
   
   I bought the book at the Beringer vineyard's gift shop, and found it an enchanting companion as I traveled through the Napa Valley on my own wine tour. Jefferson's palate was impeccable, and you can truly taste his joy and curiosity.
   
   You'll learn all about the life of the people of Italy and France, how well he related to ordinary farmers and wine growers, and his close friendships with wine merchants worldwide.
   
   There was something charming and civilized about this book, the perfect glimpse into the inner life of Jefferson. I found his delight and passion for fine wines endearing. Buy the book, take a leisurely trip through Northern California's wine country, and drink in the tradition of 18th century intellectual virtuosity. You won't be disappointed, and you'll learn a lot about wine in the process from one of the world's most imaginative people.



4. Wine was a lifelong passion for Jefferson, not just drinking it, but also planting vineyards at Montecello and in his Paris garden. The book details his experiences with wine and is enhanced by vintage prints.
   Sixty-five pages at the back, document where the author found the information in the book (letters, books, documents). Also appended are measures for English, German, French and American wines at that time and the standardized guage for foreign wines (a pipe, a bull, a hogshead, and an ohm). The author lists the contents of Jefferson's travel box and clarifies what the items were used for. A glossary further helps the reader with unfamiliar words.
   An interesting glimpse into the passion of an interesting man.



5. This was given as a gift, and I've received many thanks and raves from my sister and brother-in-law about the book. Both not only are history majors, they are in a group that studies wines. They plan to use this book as a subject at their next meeting.

No comments about French Country Diary 2009 (Desk Diaries).

5 comments about Last of the Donkey Pilgrims.

1. This is a fun story of a Yank's trip around Ireland with a donkey cart. His trip fulfills his longing to know the land of his forebears, and he wonderfully captures the language and attitudes of the people just before modernity finally arrived full force. Highly recommended!



2. Kevin's writing draws you into his journey - a remarkable romp around Ireland with a donkey that seems human. I loved it. You could nearly smell the air and see the characters. A magical look at an island that has changed so much in the 25 years since his journey took place. I wanted to be there by his side as he runs into character after character. His book is the next best thing to being there.
   
   I didn't want his journey to end. Alas, time moves on and progress can't be stopped. If only there could be a sequel.
   
   Anyway, it is written in very short, easy to read chapters. Perfect nighttime reading. If you like adventures, humor, self reflection, and interesting characters - read this book. If you have ever been to Ireland and fallen in love with it, this book is a must read. If you live in Ireland now and want a look back at the country as it existed 25 years ago, this book is required reading.



3. I enjoy reading about Ireland, and thought this book would be like Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods. The donkey book was much more serious. I liked reading about the different people he encountered, but at times, felt that it was a glossary of names of potential buyers. I did enjoy his time with the travelers. He exemplified the attitudes of the 70's, and I think the book would have been more effective if he had written it 25 years ago. Still, it was a good story.



4. I bought this book on my way out the door on a trip to Ireland, as a friend had recommended it. I read it on the airplane and during quiet moments, and finished it on the way home.
   Not only is this book entertaining and well-written, I was amazed by how much I learned about Irish culture and history as I was reading.
   It is especially recommended to those traveling to Ireland, but has wide appeal for its insight into human nature, and warm humor.



5. ...in preparation for my long overdue personal visit to Ireland a number of books including `Last of the Donkey Pilgrims' by Kevin O'Hara (www.kevin-ohara.com) were purchased online through Amazon.com for shipment to the parched distant locale of Doha...another Qatar `Transient', he being a native of Ireland, last 31 August had kindly written an Itinerary of Travel setting off westward from Dublin to Galway, proposing then a sweep about the coastal extremes of Eire on a circuitous route in return to Dublin a fortnight later...
   
   New Zealand born with Great Grandfather Irish ancestry (Co. Tyrone), some years since I had the privilege of living on a long established property in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, created by it's owner `in the manner of England', and on which co-resided an elderly Donkey of much spirited antic, mannerism and personality - an endearing memory remains of that acquaintance in those bygone days, and influenced the choice that the Donkey odyssey would be my final read...my reward was to discover an absorbing chronicle of Kevin's 1979 1800 mile trek around the peripheral coast of Ireland, walking alongside his donkey Missie `Long-Ears' Mickdermott yoked to her cart, and written in 2004, 25 years after the doing...
   
   ...an inspired achievement to be applauded, and for me a delight to share the journey by way of an intimately personable published recall of such a grand meander through a land and people of a then traditional lifestyle which soon would substantially fade away into history...Ireland 2008 surpassed my any and every expectation - time and change may have advanced apace since the Nation in attaining EU membership emerged from being a `third world' Country, bringing financial advantage in some quarters and also significantly transforming the landscape and makeup of the populace, but the welcome and essence of the Irish people as acutely portrayed by the innumerable encounters and acquaintances along Kevin O'Hara's wandering way, we found to be very much the same...
   
   ...the book and infectious spirit of Missie accompanied us throughout as by car we drove, blessed I must add with only fine weather, our brief excursion along some of the highways and byways that shared partial commonality with the much earlier passage the Donkeyman and his travelling companion together had traipsed many years prior...there were particular moments which brought upon me a quiet smile with vivid memory of what I had read; hearing the call of the Cuckoo at Inishmore and Doolin - boarding the Killimer to Tarbert ferry, then later that same day driving through Abhainn an Ghleanna (running at but a shallow flow) on the road to Slea Head, Missie's obstinant reluctance to go on in chancing upon those two same `obstacles' came to mind...we sought out and had the pleasure of meeting Robert Shannon, mentioned in the book who happily recounted the long ago arrival of Missie in lovely Doolin - affection for Kevin and his roving partner lingers...
   
   ...having partaken of the ready welcome, spirit, beauty and abundant joys of Ireland, a return is inevitable - likely to be sooner rather than later I would venture...similarly I am driven to pick up and once more read `Last of the Donkey Pilgrims' - my immense pleasure and appreciation of the Tale at first take will assuredly be all the greater at a second reading, enhanced further by familiarity and insight gained from our recent visit...
   
   Lindsay McLean
   Doha, State of Qatar
   16 June, 2008

2 comments about Best Castles - England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales: The Essential Guide for Visiting and Enjoying.

1. I am a big fan of ruined castles. I like ancient, crumbling old buildings from times long past. There are many such castles in the British Isles, but there are also many more "modern" castles, built hundreds of years after the medieval period, filled with sumptuous carpets and luxurious wall coverings and such. I can see the allure of these castles for some people, but they do not hold the same wonder for me, and when I am paying a lot of money to visit a foreign country, I want to optimize my experience as much as possible.
   
   This book is wonderful because it lets me do just that. Many guidebooks (I use the Let's Go and Rough Guides) do not differentiate between different kinds of castles, and offer a brief description of each one. It's hard to know what you're getting into before you actually arrive. With this book, you can get a preview of each castle, so you're never surprised. I mentioned my personal love of ruins, but this book is great for any taste, or just the curious.
   
   The information on each structure is sparse, and much attention is paid to the glorious full color photographs. I never got the impression this book was trying to be the authority on castle information however, and I think it succeeds admirably at its chosen task. It is a good supplemental guidebook if you're interested in the topic.



2. Gorgeous photos, nice descriptions, but too short & not detailed enough. It would also have helped to have had captions under the photos; I frequently couldn't tell what I was looking at. I also wished it were longer. Overall a worthwhile book if a little on the shallow side.

3 comments about Dreaming of Tuscany: Where to Find the Best There Is: Perfect Hilltowns; Splendid Palazzos; Rustic Farmhouses; Glorious Gardens; Authentic Cuisine; Great Wines; Intriguing Shops;.

1. Since my daughter and I are going to be in Tuscany in the spring, I found the book to be a great resource for the area. I'm looking forward to seeing things firsthand...but so glad that Ms. Ohrbach has done the groundwork for us...a much more efficient use of our limited time there!



2. As a frequent traveler to Tuscany, I find this book one of the best. It reflects the romantic and unique part of the world known as Tuscany. Wonderful coffee table book, resource for Tuscany and reading for rainy days.



3. This is a lovely "coffee table" book.
   
   I found the information to be extremely general - book does not contain information that cannot be obtained in any take along travel guide such as Foders, Blue Guide, Cadogan, Rough Guide, etc. In addition, this book is NOT a good reference for individuals who travel on a budget. Most accommodations & ristorantes fall into the 4 star range; expensive.
   
   This book is the perfect book for the pretentious American tourist.

1 comments about Time Out Stockholm (Time Out Guides).

1. If you can only buy one guide to Stockholm, this is the one. I bought a couple and found this one to be the most helpful by far. However, if you can spring for 2 or 3 books, you will probably be glad for it. Biggest disappointment with Stockholm, by the way: The food is really not very good. I was willing to pay pretty much anything for a meal, I tried so many promising looking restaurants, but in 10 days' visit the only truly good meals I had were at a Texas Burger place that had a chef from San Antonio, Texas. The food was significantly better at the Helsinki airport! Yikes! I don't really want to visit Stockholm again for this reason.

No comments about Fodor's Greece, 8th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides).

5 comments about Amsterdam (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides).

1. I have used the "Top 10" travel guides on several trips to Europe. They are small and thin enough to fit in a purse, have great maps and are usually all you need. The "Top 10 Amsterdam" guide is somewhat deficient, however.
   
   There is very little information on the famous Red Light District: There is just one short paragraph on the Red Light District on page 77 and a brief mention under "A Day in the Oude Zijde" on page 79. As far as the famous "Smoking Coffeeshops" (where marijuana is served) are concerned, there is just one sentence on them on page 51.
   
   Aside from that, the guide is very good. There are lists of Amsterdam's top ten sights, top ten museums, top ten Churches, top ten bars, top ten clubs, etc. The maps of Amsterdam are very useful, as are the diagrams of the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, showing where the most famous works of art are located. There are also top ten lists for different geographic areas of the city.
   
   There are several lists of hotels, including "Top 10 Budget Hotels," and top ten lists of things like "Shopping Tips," "Arriving in Amsterdam," and "Getting Around."
   
   I would recommend this book for those who have no interest in Amsterdam's sleazy side. For the rest, I would recommend the Frommer's guide instead (although, unlike the Top 10 guide, Frommer's does not have many photographs).
   
   I would add that the list of "Top 10 Restaurants" does not include the historic and opulent Cafe Americain, where Mata Hari had her wedding reception. I would list the Cafe Americain as the number one dining experience in Amsterdam.



2. We have been very pleased with all of the Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides that we have purchased for cities we were visiting. The guides are concise, listing the 10 most popular sites to see under a variety of categories. The Amsterdam guide is exactly what we need to carry with us so we will have it as an easy reference. I expecially like the colored pictures along with the text.



3. I just returned from amsterdam and I brought some internet materials that I printed out (different articles) and two guide books, I never looked at this one while I was there. I dont think it has a lot of really useful information, there just arent a lot of details provided - it feels like it tries to cover too much.
   My advice would be to decide on what you are interested in doing there: walking, museums, biking... and find for a book that is more directly related to what you are looking for. I feel I wasted my money on this book.



4. Great book for travelling. Small in size so fits in a backpack or purse easily without much weight.



5. I recently purchased this book for a quick trip to Europe. We were staying in Amsterdam for only 4 days so we wanted to hit the highlights. The size is perfect to carry around and the color maps were great (including street index).
   
   I used this book for only 2 days - and then I accidentally left it at a restaurant. I couldn't get back there to find it (long story). I was so bummed - I really liked this little book. The book has a "Top 10" theme throughout. "Top 10 Artists" "Top 10 Museums" "Top 10 Moments in Amsterdam History" etc. They also have Hotel recommendations and well as general travel tips.
   
   There is a phrase list in the back for Dutch. DK gives you a couple one-day iteneraries in case you would like guidance. The pictures are also superb - that is one thing I love about DK Eyewitness books.
   
   I also have the Top 10 Brussels/Bruges/Antwerp/Ghent book - so I wouldn't hesitate to get another "Top 10" book if I wanted a quick-read travel guide.

2 comments about Michelin Green Guide: Ireland.

1. Because of the way the book is organized (alphabetically instead of by region), this book isn't as useful for initial planning of a vacation route. It is useful as a resource when you've already figured out where you want to go and what you want to see, however. I also don't like the map that goes with this much. The insets are pretty bad (and only available for Dublin and Belfast). They don't even use one side of the map. If they did they'd have room for better (and more) insets.



2. Very useful, succinct, well organized, helpful fold-out overview maps, extensive index, no "chattiness" to plow through.