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

1. This booklet fits into a pocket, extract it and thumb through as you wait for your pankoeken breakfast. Think of an interest, or a need, for the day (or evening) and you will find something here that will surprise and delight. Neither a "best of' nor a "see every wonder" compendium, it's a rich source for modern Amsterdam and those items selected for inclusion.



2. Thin, light and right to the point. There is info in this book, but not much of it. I don't like guidebooks to begin with so a light, easy to pin down one like this is passable. You won't find most thins, but the stuff that is in here is decent or better - it has very select information.

No comments about Farthest North: The Epic Adventure of a Visionary Explorer.

No comments about Fodor's Vienna's 25 Best, 5th Edition (25 Best).

5 comments about Travels with Alice.

1. After hearing Mr. Trillin speak on a public radio talk show, I thought I'd love to read one of his books, as I found him so amusing. As it turns out, I found this book very boring. I've traveled in many of the countries he mentioned but found his descriptions of food and place uninteresting and found myself skipping over many parts trying to get to something interesting. Little mention was made of Alice. His two daughters played a bigger part in the rendition and it was mostly about Calvin. I don't know if I'd care to try another of his books.



2. This is my second Trillin book, after Tepper Isn't Going Out Today. I quite enjoyed that book, and when the most recent Alice book came out and was being promoted, I became interested in going back to some of Trillin's earlier works, especially those featuring Alice.
   
   This slight volume was a nice, easy read with family vacation stories fairly universal in this culture. Kids with fussy appetites, parents balancing out "just hanging around" vs "force-feeding culture down the kids' throats", etc etc. Trillin's got a nice wry, easy-going manner that I found comfortable and friendly.
   
   There were times I found myself skimming the overdone descriptions of the food he enjoyed. I get that that's one of Trillin's "things" - he's a foodie. But it's just not all that interesting when described to such the nth degree.
   
   I enjoyed, most of all, passages involving his interactions with his two daughters. Funny and sweet without being cloying or sentimental. If I have one complaint with the book, it's that the titular Alice makes only rare, and not especially interesting, appearances. Trillin seems not that interested in the experiences his wife had on their trips, or in the experiences he shared with his wife on their trips. Very interested in his own deal. Which is fine. But given the title, I had hoped for a bit more in the way of a loving, fun reflection on their shared experiences.
   
   Good book, recommended.



3. It was a mistake to buy this book. It was so boring that I did not finish it. Having read a more recently published book about The life and death of Alice, I expected a better book.



4. Travels with Alice arrived within two weeks after it was ordered. It was in perfect condition as described, though it was a used copy. I find that the choices of books I have made with Amazon are always aptly described. Amazon is where I order all of my books and CDs.



5. Calvin Trillin has been traveling with his wife (Alice) and his daughters for years, mainly on holidays, and he wrote this funny book about it. His main interest is food, but Alice is also very fond of views. He deplores the fact that Alice is a three meals a day person!
   He makes you feel as if you're traveling with them and has a new angle on a lot of things. If you like a funny (maybe not always super accurate) travelogue, this book is for you!

3 comments about Northern Ireland (Hot Spots in Global Politics series).

1. This book is absolutely the best book written on the history of the "Troubles." It comes from a very unbiased source who attempts to explain the 300 plus years of conflict to those who have no knowledge of the troubles in the North. It is also enlightening to us who do have knowledge and insight into the conflicts of Northern Ireland. If you ever wanted to know about the "Troubles," or want to know more, this book is a must read. It should be the first book read before anyone takes on any study of the conflicts which shroud Northern Ireland.



2. This is an essentail read for all who study comparative politics, history, public administration and international relations or international law. Professor Tonge provideds an easy to follow, well-written book that will spark your interest for hours. In addition to updated information, Professor Tonge provides additional references for further investigation. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has developed a curiousity regarding the events in Northern Ireland or for poli-sci courses that deals with comparative policy/political studies or a course in international conflict.



3. A intense and well written work tediously explaining the situation with North Ireland. A no bias account complete with full documentation gives you a full perspective from each side and why. I would suggest someone unfamiliar with the subject in getting their feet wet on the subject first with some light research, and then jump into reading this book as it is a immense piece of information.

No comments about Luxembourg (Bradt Travel Guide).

4 comments about I Never Knew that About Ireland.

1. This is a different kind of travel book. Not a guidebook in the Frommer's or Lonely Planet tradition, but just as valuable for learning more about the country of Ireland. This book covers the four province of Ireland: Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. Each county within the four provinces are featured. At the end of each section there is an "I Never Knew That..." section. Some things that I bet you never knew about Ireland:
   
   -- In 1822, Richard Martin put through Parliament the first Animal Rights Bill and two years later founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
   
   -- Rosslare has an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes of sunshine every day. (Living in Washington State, that sounds like paradise!)
   
   -- You have heard of Stonehenge but did you know that the Grange Stone Circle is made up of 113 stones and is the largest prehistoric stone circle in Ireland (it dates from around 2000 BC).
   
   -- The DeLorean (the famous car from Back to the Future) was built in Ireland and caught the eye of Hollywood producers.
   
   --Sophie Pierce was the first woman to make a parachute jump, the first person in the world to fly solo from Cape Town to London and the first woman in Ireland and Britain to gain a commercial pilot's license. Unfortunately she fell out of a tram and was killed.
   
   Winn has written a book with a warm personable tone. I felt as if I were listening to a fun friend who loved Ireland and knew neat trivia about each region. There is something for everyone as there are facts and stories about famous people, true crime, myths and inventions. Although color photos would have been nice, the numerous black and white sketches add charm to this book.
   
   Winn is a writer, quiz master and producer for theater and television. He has also written I Never Knew That books about England, Scotland, Wales and London.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: A wonderful book for trivia buffs and armchair travelers!



2. Actually bought this as a gift, but did take time and read about places I had been in Ireland, think I will have to borrow it back after Christmas.



3. 2006's "I Never Knew That About Ireland" is a charming collection of anecdotes, stories, and a few tall tales about the Emerald Isle, by Christopher Winn. Ireland's long cultural continuity, its varied terrain, and its remarkable people are a source of all kinds of interesting items, ranging from stone tombs dating back to the dawn of Europe to some of the finest churches of the Middle Ages to some surprisingly modern firsts.
   
   Winn breaks up his items by geographic area and further subdivides by county. The effect is a sort of travelogue around Ireland that visitors and tourists may find very useful in augmenting the regular travel guides. The book is nicely illustrated with sketches of some of the featured locations or items.
   
   The effects of the Irish diaspora are on display here. U.S. Presidents Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, U.S. Grant, Chester Arthur, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy had relatives born in Ireland, as did Buffalo Bill Cody.
   
   Some other samples: Belfast was once the home of the premier shipyards in the world (the Titanic was built there). The first trans Atlantic airplane flight ended with a crashlanding in Western Ireland, ironically, near the antennas that provided the first trans Atlantic telegraph service. Amelia Earheart completed her solo transatlantic flight in Ireland (to her surprise; apparently she expected to land in France).
   
   This small volume is highly recommended as an entertaining and educational read for visitors, travelers, and friends of Ireland.



4. Another interesting relatively(pun intended)unknown fact, except to Irish and Polish is that: More Irish marry Polish, and more Polish marry the Irish more than any other peoples - outside of Poland and Ireland, of course. There is a better than 50% chance that every Irish name you hear or see, probably has some Polish uncle or connection, as is the same with any Irish name you see or hear has some Polish aunt or connection. The connection seems to stem from a Catholic people who have both been to hell and back in their histories. Both the Irish and Polish tend to not sit around and, will always, fight back when needed,i.e., both very proud Catholic cultures. Both Irish and Polish are very proud of culture and country and willing to die for their freedoms. The English to the Irish are like the Russian Communists to the Polish. Ireland and Poland has stood up to both and survived. Dia Duit!; (hello/pleased to meet you, in Gaelic) - Cheshch!; (hello/good-bye, in Polish). Poles and Irish marry the Italians the 2nd most and thirdly the Germans/Austrians.

1 comments about Michelin Red Guide 2008 London: Restaurants & Hotels (Michelin Red Guide: London).

1. The old Michelin Red Guides, which I first used in the late '60's for Italy, had detailed, tiny local maps throughout, detailed hotel ratings, and detailed restaurant ratings. Plus the edges were rounded to slip easily into a pocket and a travel-proof cover. This was no doubt too expensive a proposition to maintain, especially as to keeping the maps current. The modern Red guide is therefore a huge disappointment by comparison. I'd rather use Zagat for restaurant ratings and Google maps to find places. I won't need another Red Guide, thank you. The Green is still without peer, however...

5 comments about Francesco's Venice: The Dramatic History of the World's Most Beautiful City.

1. John Parker's photographs in "Francesco's Venice" are lovely. However, the historical text written by Francesco Da Mosto, although complete and covering a vast time period, is opinionated, rather cumbersome and replete with self congratulatory statements concerning his family's Venetian heritage. I found the latter annoyingly childish; like a 6 year-old giving a class report wanting to make sure his classmates knew just how important his daddy was. This self importance as a true Venetian with a rich family history may have been the impetus for writing the book but adds nothing to it. In the final analysis, aside from the photographs I was not particularly pleased with my purchase.



2. I enjoyed Venice and Italy while on My Grand Tour of Europe for my 50th Birthday.....and discovered this wonderful author and TV Travel while cruising through the Travel Channel. So fantastic & brings back all of my travel memories. I was the first of my family to discover Italy & now they all want to go!!!!



3. Really enjoyed this book. Beautiful photos and easily readable text. A lot of good information ,history included, presented in such a way that you actually do want to read it and not just look at the pictures.



4. This is the accompanying book to the TV series, but so much more too!
   
   Firstly, the book is replete with stunning photography by John Parker. These in themselves are enough to merit applause, but Francesco's text is a good read and full of personal insight. He clearly is no lightweight historian, but has delved deeply into his own and his city's past.
   
   The book is in five chapters (one more than the TV series) with titles that explain much of the subject they contain: 1. "Water - From the Waters to the City"; 2. "Earth - The Boundaries of Land Enlarge"; 3. "Air - La Serenissima Evaporates"; 4. "Fire - Venice Burns Its Past"; and 5. "Ether - Life under Uncertainty".
   
   There is a healthy dose of scepticism of traditions in relation to the early history of the city adopted by the author, and his own tentative assertions ring true. He is good on this period, whereas other histories skip over it lightly. He focuses on the physical origins of the city and its political beginnings. It was then not a matter of display or grandeur or empire, but trade, commerce and industry, especially where salt and fish were concerned. It was also a healthy sign that Francesco sheds doubt on the blindness of Doge Enrico Dandolo, the scourge of the Fourth Crusade to Constantinople.
   
   He is also good on the Arsenale, which presently lacks any detailed history in English. It is still very much out-of-bounds to tourists, but it would have been nice, though, to have had plans of its development. And I have yet to see in print those marvellous birds' eye view drawings of the naval base before and after Napoleon's conquest. Francesco is also good on the subject of trade, such as the mechanics involved in sailing convoys, as well as their destinations (but, alas, no map, not even any line drawings of how a galley, a galleass or a navi would have looked like).
   
   There is more emphasis on how Francesco's own family history has become intertwined with that of the city: this is, after all, Francesco's history of his birthplace! We learn of its involvement in the Tiepolo plot of 1310 and in that of Doge Marin Falier, the only doge to be sentenced to death, in 1355. Francesco provides personal reminiscences too about the first time he received his first communion in Saint Mark's Cathedral, about his first experience of a Titian painting, about witnessing the fire at the La Fenice opera house, and about his own home, which was the setting for part of Anthony Minghella's film "The Talented Mr Ripley." There is much more.
   
   Many of these recollections appear in the numerous additional textboxes that populate the whole book. These allow the reader to focus in more detail on particular aspects, whether it's the doge's hat, robes and regalia, or the antics of Baron Corvo. Those boxes devoted to the language of Venice proved very useful to me. I always wondered why the Venetians often failed to pronounce the suffixes used elsewhere in Italy; Francesco explains that it is partly down to laziness.
   
   There are, as one would expect, many links to the TV series. He repeats in the book his castigation of the bridge to the mainland as a folly; its name - Ponte della Liberta - he insists is ironical. But there are differences with the TV series too. For example, the painter Turner appears nowhere in its pages, but John Singer Sargent appears in his place.
   
   Francesco's coverage of twentieth century Venice is a pleasure to read, as this is often an overlooked episode in its history, for understandable reasons. And yet, it has a richness of drama all of its own, especially in his family reminiscences of war and peace.
   
   So why only four stars? On the negative side, Francesco mentions books in his introduction, but there is no bibliography to guide the reader further into the details of the subjects raised. And where are the maps? Maps of the lagoon would have been useful for placing the city in its geographical setting and for providing bearings in relation to many places named in the early chapters, such as Torcello, Aquileia, Grado, Ravenna and Chioggia.
   
   This review is of the softback print. Unfortunately, there are errors arising from the reduction in size and pages from the original hardback, for example, the "see above" on page 107 is meaningless, as are the picture credits (although these can be worked out with a little patience). The index is good, but there is no entry, for instance, for either "Messeteria" or "Modone".
   
   How does this book compare with the standard introduction to the history of Venice in English by John Julius Norwich? Although Francesco spends some time to accounts about the city's wars in the east and its political relations with the Italian mainland, there is by far a greater amount of information and history given to the development - architectural, social and economic - of the city itself. For example, space is given by Francesco to the paving of streets and the standard of cleanliness, to clothes and how nobles greeted each other - it would have been nice to have one of Longhi's pictures to accompany these social points; you will look almost wholly in vain for such details in Norwich's history. The downside is that there are only two paragraphs devoted to the role of Paolo Sarpi whereas the more political and wider geographical sweep of Norwich's book devotes a chapter or more to the workings out of the papal crisis of the early seventeenth century.
   
   So, `you pays your money and you takes your choice', but if you are seeking an introduction to the city of Venice as opposed to an introduction to the politics and external relations of the city, then Francesco's must be the better buy. However so great Norwich's history is, it does spend more than half its time on the coasts of the eastern Mediterranean and the plains of Lombardy, rather than in the city itself (see my amazon.co.uk review).



5. I just got back from Venice, at 2AM today in fact, and I am extremely glad that I read this book before the trip. It is very well written and covers a breadth of information about Venice, ranging from history, politics, art, architecture and more. It is beautifully illustrated and contains a number of inset discussions about venetian society and other topics that just add more and more to the book. Altogether, it was a fascinating and easy read, and one that dramatically enhanced my trip. I am thinking of reading it again, or renting the videos, to further the experience. In my opinion, a must read for any traveller to Venice.

4 comments about Study Abroad 101.

1. Sudy Abroad 101 is great for anyone, but especially for high School and college students. Wendy Williamson covers all aspects of preparing and planning a trip abroad. She combines her own Peace Corps experience and her professional expertise as a study abroad advisor to provide useful information that is an adventure in itself. Study Abroad 101 is straightforward, fun, and easy to read. Parents, it would be a very useful gift to give this book to a young person interested in traveling or studying abroad.



2. Study Abroad 101 by Wendy Williamson (Study Abroad Advisor at Western Michigan University) is a brilliantly conceived and expertly presented introduction providing specific, concise, informed and informative answers to 101 direct questions about studying abroad. From determining if studying abroad is a viable option, to narrowing down the choices, to planning the trip, to health and safety concerns, Study Abroad 101 goest on to cover such significant issues as money management abroad, "culture shock" arising from living in another country and living with the locals, to keeping in touch with the folks at home, and life after studying abroad. Of special note are Wendy's "Top Secrets You Should Know" to make studying abroad a successful educational and personal experience. If you are considering studying in another country, then give a close and careful reading to Wendy Williamson's Study Abroad 101!



3. This book was helpful - wish I had bought it earlier in the game - I would recommend buying it 3 to 6 months before you or your student goes abroad. It helped me getting my son ready and would be helpful for someone looking for a program - our college already had a program in place. Since my son is over there, the only thing they didn't tell us was that it is unbelievably expensive.



4. I found this book to be an excellent resource that is easy to use. When I had questions about getting a passport, I could very quickly find answers. When I was thinking about packing and what to bring (and not to bring), I just turned to the section on packing. When I was wondering how culture shock would impact me and what it was all about, I opened the section on culture shock. Its not text heavy, nor is it boring. It provides real, concise information that is presented in a fun way with stories that the author has from her experiences with traveling abroad. I highly recommend this book because I've read other books and this one just doesn't compare... its more than a book you read once; its a tool you'll use throughout your entire experience.