5 comments about Berlin.

1. Any fan of the city must read this book. This history of Berlin from its time as the Prussian capital to today covers such varied topics as music under the Nazis (I learned some things about Richard Strauss and Herbert von Karajan I hadn't known before!), Wall escape attempts, and the problems of reunification, among others. It's liberally sprinkled with examples of the famous Berliner sense of humor. A great read for the novice or the experienced Berlinophile. My one major grumble: the Cold War era section covers the western half of the city far more extensively than the eastern half. I would have liked to see more about life on the "other side". Minor quibble: being a first edition, it suffers from a very noticeable number of typos. Still a fantastic introduction -- or reintroduction -- to the city on the Spree.



2. Large can certainly write a smooth and engaging narrative. But that's about all that I can recommend about this book. Large's caustic and cynical view of Berlin and Berliners is can be extremely off-putting, bordering at times on the offensive. I found his particular comment that the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church looked better after the carpet bombing of World War II than before to be extremley offensive, especially in light of how many thousands of Berlin's civilians were killed during that particular episode of "architectural improvement."

   Add to this that the book seems to lack any sort of historical context, placing artistic, social and political movements apart from similar movements that were sweeping through other European cities of the time, and I find it very difficult to recommend this book to anybody.




3. Once again David C. Large proposes that college required reading and a sense of humor can be assimilated. Stating that the "Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church looked better after the carpet bombing of World War II than before" is comical, yet sadly true! Large educates the reader about Europe's most captivating city, Berlin! He manages to not only remind us of its beauty, but that it is a romantisch city that need not be known only as the former Nazi capital. A consistent and entertaining book, an asset to history itself. Steve Newman



4. Though at first the size of the book seems to be huge, Large infused every page of this wonderful novel with sensory rich descriptions that helped the reader feel what life in Berlin was like during the city's many different stages. Clearly an expert in this field, Large provides amusing and interesting details about famous landmarks, areas, and figures throughout the cities turbulant history. Having read the book only weeks before my planned trip to the German capital, I now look at the book as an indepth tour guide of the city. I got goosebumps sometimes even seeing a street sign named after an important figure in the city's history who after reading the book, I was able to recall the impact this person had on creating the atmosphere of the vibrant city of modern Berlin, now one of my very favorite in all the world.



5. Urban history of European capitals has become a popular thing to write about it and Large does not disappoint. This tracks Berlins troubled history from the early days, through Prussia, German dominance, reforms by Hitler to the modern day with the renovations of Alexander square. Like most of these books if you have never visited the city it will not hold the same allure. For those who have been to Berlin this is well worth reading and getting a sense of the city. It is clearly written and does not get bogged down on details. It is through enough without making it a year by year update of the changes. It covers the social and political aspects as well. Overall if you want to know about how Berlin developed this is the only book for you.

No comments about Living in Berlin (Living In . . .).

No comments about Turkey Road Map.

No comments about Michelin Barcelona Mini-Spiral Atlas No. 2040 (Michelin Maps & Atlases).

No comments about Hiking Guide to Poland and Ukraine (Bradt-No Frills Guides Series).

3 comments about Pocket Map and Guide Berlin (EYEWITNESS POCKET MAP & GUIDE).

1. Just got the book and it seems OK, but for aging eyes it's much much too small. Definitely not for the over 50 crowd, unless you bring a magnifying glass along.



2. I have to say that this is the perfect size travel guide for any traveler out there. It can fit into my smallest of purses, or even into my jean-pockets! Discreet and almost weightless, I recommend this to anyone out there needed a succinct travel guide!



3. I used this in Jan 2008 on my trip, read the bigger DK Berlin version along with it but used the pocket sized for the actual trip. It helps you geographically plan your outings. Plus it helped saved us when we got lost a few times (especially at night in the snow). The Metro map is really helpful since it fits in your pocket or purse and you can pull it out discreetly to avoid looking like a lost tourist. The only thing that was lacking was more information on a day trip outside of Berlin to schlosses (castles) in Potsdam so I photocopied this info from the big DK book prior to my trip. Potsdam is well worth a visit if you have time. My travel companion even wanted a copy because we really used it all the time.

No comments about Insight Pocket Guides: Munich/Book and Pull Out Map (Insight Pocket Guides).

No comments about Travel Berlin, Germany - Illustrated Guide, Phrasebook and Maps. FREE general info, phrasebook, and a map in the trial version.

No comments about Fodor's See It Germany, 1st Edition (Fodor's See It).

4 comments about Frommer's Germany 2006 (Frommer's Complete).

1. From all the travel books out there on Germany this one is not a compilation of mere facts, photos, phone numbers and page-fillers.
   
   What sets Frommer's apart is the information provided and the style in which is presented. You will find lodging options for various budgets, a list of most important sites to see and even suggested ways to spend time in a city if you have only 1 day or as much as 5 days, great places to eat and great places to splurge if you can stretch your dollar. Be aware that this is not a book for the ones on a shoestring budget. Frommer provides a good introduction to Germany without being overloading you with mass amounts of information or pictures, a truly well-balanced book.
   
   When I backpacked 4 months through Europe I had a copy of the Lonely Planet for Europe (a thick and heavy book) because it covered more cities and esoteric towns, a ripped chapters of all the international youth hostals Europe of the countries I visited, and as primary guide for nominal cities and capitals I used Frommers (ripped the book and kept only chapters of countries planning to visit - so I can keep the weight down).



2. A fine, well-written guide if it covers the places you want to go. I found it leaves out completely too many areas of Germany and focuses only on the well-known tourist areas. These areas are covered very well with comprehensive and easy to use hotel and restaurant listings.
   
   A fine chapter is the Scenic Drive Along the Baltic - a lovely part of Germany with marvelous brick-Gothic churches that still seems undiscovered by English-speaking tourists.



3. I recently went to Germany for the world cup and found this book somewhat helpful but really the Lets Go Germany gave me much better advice on how to see Germany on a budget. Lets face it we are all on a budget these days.



4. I usually enjoy the Frommers format and approach to guidebooks and this one is no exception. It is beautifully detailed on the major cities but I found it less so for smaller and rural places. At times, the maps, especially town maps, are not that detailed but that is for me a lesser problem as I always get or buy proper maps from the tourist office / hotel / bookshop. On the other hand, it does have nice diagrams of the major museums. I also love the long lists and detailed descriptions of restaurants as well as the sections on what to do after dark in the major cities. However, I needed another guide once I wandered off the better-known and more rural destinations.