No comments about Corsica (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

2 comments about Laminated Rome City Streets Map by Borch.

1. I love this map! It's laminated, durable, easy-to-read, and so full of information that you almost don't need a guide book to accompany it. Love it.



2. In the labyrinth of streets called Rome, walking without a map like this is like walking with a blindfold - You can walk, but your end-up where you didn't plan and have to rely on the locals, which are not very english-literate.
   A laminated map is a must since you'll be puting it in and out of your bag doxens of times. A paper map will wear out very quickly.

5 comments about One Thousand Buildings of Paris.

1. all 1,000? No way. Too big to have as a travel companion but so many memories that it should be owned by everyone who loves Paris.



2. 
   This book was given to me,along with the London's one.
   One does not need to be an archictect or a professionnal builder to appreciate this masterpiece.
   In the last 100 years, Paris has eluded any massive destruction and as such has kept its historic,poetic and romantic characters.
   The book is precised,well mapped,and the photos are top notched.
   It would not be easy to carry around while visiting Paris! however one can list ahead of time the buildings of interest.
   the book is photographed and written, by three Americans, which makes it even more interesting ,with their artistic objectivity and a view with a non parisian or gallic optic.
   well worth the investment,and a real treasure.



3. I love it!! It's very comprehensive and detailed, and the pages are big enough to accomodate all of the photographs and text. The quality of the book itself is also good.



4. Clearly a lot of exhausting work went into this book, but as in any catalog, the quality of the descriptions varies in quality and depth, and there are typos. The author mixes casual language with more formal reporting in a way that is sometimes stylistically jarring. I heard the author speak in Paris, and evidently it was not possible to obtain permission to photograph some buildings, so the collection while in some ways comprehensive doesn't contain all the author had wished or that the reader familiar with Paris might hope for. This isn't the author's fault, just some French craziness, but it is unfortunate. I keep the book in my apartment in Paris, and use it to familiarize myself with buildings I walk by regularly. As the Parisians say, walking in Paris is "very pleasant," and this book makes one a more informed walker. The description of the Hotel de Sully in the 4th is especially nice. Pair it with the catalog of the Atget exhibition for some interesting contrasts, both historic and photographic. Paris is a sublime feast, and this is a book for those who will take the time to taste it more fully. I don't believe any other book like this exists.



5. This is a huge book with hundreds of beautiful black and white pictures of Paris buildings. Photos are absolutely carrying out Paris soul and give you that special feeling of the city, that of art, history and grace. Turning the pages one by one, you just walk around this glorious city. I've been to Paris several times and I think this book is the second best thing after actually being there.

5 comments about Sixpence House: Lost in A Town Of Books.

1. Paul and his wife and young son decide to leave their San Francisco home and move to a small town in the countryside of Wales called Hay. This town specializes in selling books- mostly really, really old books. The books are sold if they are valuable- if not, they are gradually priced lower and lower, given away free with the purchase of any other book, or finally burned in huge bonfires that rain bits of other peoples' thoughts on the town's inhabitants. This book is not just about the town, it is also about the humor of the family's adjustment to life in Britain, the hopes of a new writer, and the struggles of a young couple to buy their own home.
   
   Quote: "To look for a specific book in Hay is a hopeless task; you can only find the books that are looking for you."
   
   I thought this was a fabulous book. It is half a book about Paul's life and half a book about books, so the author references this or that interesting work he has stumbled across in the town of books (not that I need to be adding anything else to my to-read list at this point, but that's okay). The author is very entertaining, particularly because he is working on getting a book published and on the shelves (Barnvard's Folly) while writing this book and while surrounded by this graveyard for books. I am also entertained by the fact that each chapter is given a persona which is reflected in the title (such as "Chapter Fifteen Beholds the LORD").



2. To me, none of these "stranger-in-a-strange-land" books ever comes close to Peter Maybe but I love them all to a degree and never tire of them. This book tended to be a bit disjointed and rambling but I forgave it because it was, literally, laugh-out-loud funny. It's like a friend who starts out to tell you a certain story, gets distracted at many points, but everything is he says is either so witty or original you don't care. One of the very best parts, for instance, was how Collins breaks down exactly how you CAN tell a modern book by its cover. He's be a great columnist in the vein of "The Polysyllabic Spree" by Nick Hornby.



3. 
   This is an autobiographical account of an extended visit to a town with lots of bookstores in Wales. The mountains of books and the abundant book trivia make this book interesting. And it is enlightening to see an American's view of the town. However, I felt that I was taking up too much space in the Collins' home and I was embarrassed to be eavesdropping on their everyday activities.



4. I began with "The Trouble with Tom" and then had to get everything that Paul Collins has written.
   
   Follow this writer; he has wonderful things coming; I am certain of it. "Sixpence House" is charming, honest, intelligent writing; it's on my re-read-often list.



5. Paul Collins chronicles his life, in wry prose, creating a narrative fully worthy of any erstwhilely, earthbound Arthur Dent.

4 comments about Living Abroad in Spain.

1. Nicely written book. Some info may not be very useful, especially if you have been to Spain. Genreally, a pleasant reading and good organization. Will give you some idea on what living in Spain is like. You are better off if you know someone in Spain or have relatives.



2. In general, this is a useful introduction to the issues an expatriate will face when moving to Spain. As an American citizen who is considering making the move, I also like that the book is written by an American (most English-language books on moving to Spain are written by--and largely for--UK citizens, who have it much easier than Americans with regard to residency and work permits).
   
   However, I find it frustrating that Weinstein completely ignores the major catch-22 that bars most non-EU citizens from legal employment in Spain: most Spanish employers will not hire without an existing work permit, but it's extremely difficult to get a work permit without having a standing job offer. Even Google, an American company that has a branch in Madrid, will not consider applicants who do not already have EU working papers in hand. Weinstein does not say how she got around this problem; does not say how any other non-EU citizens have gotten around this problem; does not give any pointers on where to find companies that might be willing to sponsor Americans for a visa; in fact, does not mention this issue at all.
   
   Had I known of this glaring, hugely important omission, I would not have bought the book. Now you know. If what you want is general information about the logistics of life in Spain, this book is great. But if you're a non-EU citizen who is looking for guidance in circumventing the major catch-22 of employment in Spain, look elsewhere.



3. I just decided to look into moving to Spain and being green behind the ears this was the perfect book for my stage of research. Some "living in spain" books might be more detailed or specific, but Weinstein's book was written as if the author and I were sitting across the table at a Starbucks. She gave a general introduction to the highlights of not only history and culture but of the region and what locations will fit "me". A very easy and motivating read. If your still wondering if you want to make the move or where to go, this is your book.



4. The book is well written, but if you have a family, this book is not for you. The information regarding children and education is very sparse.

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.

2 comments about In Love in Italy: A Traveler's Guide to the Most Romantic Destinations in the Country of Amore.

1. "In LOve in Italy" is a very doable book. Easy to read and pleasent to look at, good information. I have given it as a gift.



2. This is a beautiful book, both in terms of words and images. Very special. Perfect for those who love Italy, someone going on a trip there soon, or dreaming of a future viaggio. The sort of book you buy for yourself and then want to give to each of your friends. The pictures are lovely and look particularly nice on the non-glossy paper. The paper feels good on your fingertips, as you turn the page. A book Italians would love.

5 comments about Rick Steves' Spain and Portugal Map: Including Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon (Rick Steves).

1. You can't say that Amazon reviews don't get noticed. Previous editions of this book (in the Alhambra section) repeated what Daniel Boorstin called a "vulgar legend": that the Spanish court resisted Columbus because it didn't believe that the world was round. This was pointed out on Rick Steves' web site in 2002 and here in 2003. The 2004 edition finally acknowledges the truth: that the Spanish court resisted Columbus's proposals because they thought he underestimated the size of the world and the length of the voyage, not because they thought the world was flat. The estimates they used were far more accurate than Columbus's. The book also stops saying that Spain's Socialist party is in power. (Of course there's no acknowledgment of the errors. The information on Columbus is presented in the same know-it-all tone, even though it's 180 degrees different from what Rick Steves said before.)

   But the leopard hasn't changed his spots. The architect of Ronda's impressive bridge did not fall off of the bridge to his death while inspecting his work. Spain For Dummies sets the record straight. The discussion of the Spanish Civil War omits the information that Stalin supported and eventually took over the Republican side. Since Steves mentions that Hitler and Mussolini supported the Nationalists, there's no reason for leaving out Stalin's role except that the author doesn't want readers to know. (Perhaps Rick Steves doesn't want readers to know how radical he is; at his web site he suggests that America brought on the terrorist attacks and sympathizes with a suicide bomber.)

   Mr. Steves lacks the confidence to summarize history in a straightforward manner and let readers decide for themselves; he never passes up a chance to indoctrinate. For reliable history of the Spanish Civil War see the definitive account by Hugh Thomas, Paul Johnson's summary in Modern Times, or George Orwell's classic, Homage To Catalonia. If you browse through Amazon or your local bookstore you can find many fine books on various aspects of Spanish history.

   Fortunately history is only a small part of the book. There is good practical information on hotels, restaurants, sites, local transportation, and travel strategies. For example, Madrid's Hotel Gonzalo is an excellent value near the Prado. If you're in Andalusia budget some time to visit one of the Pueblos Blancos villages, such as Ronda. Tours only make short stops here, but they're worth several days. Wherever you go, look out for pickpockets.

   If you're going to Spain or Portugal, this book is an excellent travel resource. But when you read history in a Rick Steves book keep in mind that he's trying to indoctrinate readers to his point of view.




2. Some thoughts about Mr. Steves' largely excellent book. Highly recommended.

   Pros:

   * Mr. Steves provides excellent help in prioritizing your time in Spain and Portugal. I find this activity to be the hardest when planning a trip. How many days in Barcelona, how many in Madrid, etc?

   * An incredibly valuable feature of the book, in my opinion, is that Mr. Steves provides a one-page listing of the primary sites in each city, ranking each site from zero to three stars based on how important it is to see each site. While I may not agree on his prioritization, the page makes for a quick checklist while you're walking or waiting for public transportation.

   * Mr. Steves is particularly good at recommending out-of-the-way lodging and restaurants that you might not otherwise find in a given place.

   * Mr. Steves' book is also very good for budget travelers, providing lodging and dining in every class of service.

   Cons:

   * As mentioned in several other reviews, the book is laden with historical factual errors. I won't go into that here.

   * In a cutesy manner, many of the maps are handwritten and the street names are omitted. Specifically, if you try to drive around Sevilla using only this book, you will live to regret it.

   * Much if not most of the visitor information (hours and days of availability) for tourist sites is wrong. I strongly suggest doing what we did: arriving in a particular town the night before you wish to visit its sites, walking around to see the real hours displayed, then planning your itinerary over dinner.

   Some other thoughts, not particularly specific to his book but useful for your trip:

   * PORK: Spain is completely obsessed with pork. More or less every menu item has pork on it. Even if it says vegetarian and you ask if it's vegetarian and they assure you it's vegetarian, the odds are pretty high that it'll have a six ounce hunk-o-bacon in it. If you are committed not to eat pork for any reason, seriously consider whether it's worth having to cookies out of a bag for the duration of your trip.

   * There are department stores called Corte Ingles scattered around every city in Spain. They have grocery stores and everything else you might need. Knowing where they are is very useful on a long trip.

   Best of luck!
   Lydia




3. Surprising for an RS travel book. I've used his books heavily in planning many a trip. His team usually does a nice job of providing a balanced view of a country or city. This one showed mostly the unpleasantness and mediocrity of Portugal. Can't speak for the Spain section, as I'm not considering travel to Spain in the short term, and did not review that as carefully.



4. My wife and I just spent 9 days driving down the coast of Spain from Barcelona to Denia and then north of Barcelona to Cadaques. Very few of the chapters were pertinent to the towns we visted on our trip. The map we purchased lacked detail and could be obtained free from inside of another tour book we purchased from Amazon.



5. i'm thrilled with the purchase of our first rick steves travel book. his website and tv shows are VERY informative and practical and this 2008 book on Spain does not disappoint. it's not too clunky to take with us on our travels - yet, for day trips, we're photocopying a few "walking tour" pages so we don't have to take the book with us when we're travelling lighter. ... while he doesn't highlight EVERY inch of spain, he surely hits all the highlights! NO complaints and we look forward to experiencing more of the world through his expertise!

No comments about AAA 2008 Europe Road Atlas (Aaa Europe Road Atlas).

5 comments about Dublin (Eyewitness Travel Guides).

1. I bought this book based on previous DK purchases I had made and found it to be terribly out of date! This book was bought for my fiancee who was travelling to Ireland from the USA to visit myself and my family. Being Irish and living and working in Dublin I found the most basic information to be incorrect, most notably the currency which has been the Euro for the last 6 years. Other transport information also should be ammended in relation to the new overground rail system, called the Luas, that has vastly improved commuting for one side of Dublin to the other. on the whole this book does manage to portray Dublin as a city with an historic background that has to been seen to be appreciated. Also some of the references to attractions outside Dublin appear to make the rest of Ireland look less modern which gave the impression to me that it is more rural and agricultural than it actually is and may not be the most appealing to visitors! Anyway I hope this review just helps to point out some glaring mistakes that should be fixed. On the whole the quality of this DK book was well above other publications that I have read.



2. If you are planning a trip to Dublin this is a must have book. It outlines the city and gives excellent recommendations on where to stay and eat. The way the city is divided up in the book is the perfect way to plan your trip and can be divided into really three days. It has some outlying things but if you are going around Ireland I would use the Eyewitness book on Ireland and pass on this one.



3. If you are planning a short trip to Dublin this is a must have book. It covers excellent restaurants and wonderful places to stop and shop. The essential sights are all listed by region and are explained in enough detail for one to decide if they want to visit. If you are going for a longer period of time I would recommend a bigger guide but I would still get this one to walk around with.



4. Although Eyewitness Travel Guides may offer more visual guidance than other guide books, they are still quite terrible. Maps are difficult to read and information is inconsistent.



5. I have been a fan of the Eyewitness Travel guides for a number of years; their emphasis on a visual format (especially their cutaway diagrams of selected sights) is extremely useful, while their recommendations of restaurants, pubs, and shops have never steered me wrong. I have found this to be true time and again when I have taken it to Dublin, where the guide really opened up the city for me to explore it.
   
   While it is true that much of the information within this guide is also contained within their larger Ireland (Eyewitness Travel Guides), it should be pointed out that they are NOT the same. While the Ireland guide contains most of the same information, the Dublin guide provides more details and some additional sites that were left out of the larger Ireland version. My advice is to stick with the Ireland guide if you are planning on traveling beyond Dublin to explore the island, but if you are staying around the city and its surrounding environs, this is the guide to buy.