1 comments about Don Fernando, Or, Variations on Some Spanish Themes (Armchair Traveller Series).

1. This book, which I have burst upon quite unexpectedly, offered me a wealth of peaceful meditation and subtle joy. Maugham elaborates on his "spanish themes" with a casualness that easily wins the beholder. It can be called in some ways a travel book, recalling the chapters in which he more than alludes to the Spanish way of living, i.e. their eating habits, the look and feel of their cities and so on. Yet, Maugham also shares with his reader the fruits of his long research he conducted on Spaniards of the Golden Age. What I find the most pleasurable in these memoirs is the way Maugham reveals the fact behind the fiction regarding many issues, to name a few; Spanish literature and drama of the Golden Ages, the life and days (and the religious ferver, which he finds nonexistent of) El Greco. At any rate, this book is excellent reading, and reveals between the lines, the sometimes ironic, but never cynical humor of the artist.

No comments about The Rough Guide to The Algarve Map (Rough Guide City Maps).

5 comments about BEYOND THE PRADO.

1. As frequent visitors to Spain, we were fascinated by Holo's account of the political and emotional impact of that country's museums. Every collection one tours grows in stature and significance. This book is a must for anyone interested in the larger, cultural role of museums.



2. Beyond the Prado surprised me because it was not a traditional art museum guide book! It made me understand that museums are integral parts of a society and are connected to politics in ways I never considered before. Fascinating especially was the chapter on military and church museums. To think that allowing pictures of Franco himself might encourage progressive thinking actually blew me away.



3. Beyond the Prado is required reading for anyone who cares about the national unity debate that is taking place in Quebec. Holo provides a sensible blueprint for Canada by elucidating the process through which Spain has used museums as institutional structures in the rebuilding and reshaping of a democratic nation. Make no mistake, Beyond the Prado is about more than art and museums. It is about nurturing and protecting parts of diverse and local cultures in order to preserve and reshape whole identies of nations. And let's all face it! This isn't a problem that is unique to Canada or Spain. Reversing the trend of disintegrating national entities is going to be the major political challenge of the next century.



4. I found Beyond the Prado fascinating in that it showed me a Spain much different from the one I visited in 1960. Those memories are of a militaristic, totalitarian society. Through Dr. Holo's book, a modern Spain emerges that encourages political and cultural democracy as reflected in the policies of the country's museums. Dr. Holo's book is a thoughtful, analytical thesis on Spain's museums and their place in the grander context of a country's political philosophy. What a fascinating way to explore history and a country's attempt to satisfy both an agenda of regional integration and regional diversity. Brilliant! Coming from the province of Quebec in Canada, where a serious power struggle is occurring between the people of French and English descent, I will follow closely Spain's gallant attempt to encourage diversity and regionalism and yet retain political integrity. Spain is a place I want to travel to once again. My next visit to its museums will be with a new perspective and a much deeper understanding as to their significance than I had prior to reading this book.



5. Beeing a director of a museum in Spain I felt I must buy this book. After reading it, I must say that Beyond the Prado is a partial book; relating to a part only ( a part of Spain and a part of museums), and also inclined to favour just one point of view (about Spain and about museums). Poor.

No comments about Teach Yourself Beginner's Portuguese (Book Only).

No comments about The Rough Guide to Mallorca & Menorca, 2nd edition.

No comments about The Way of Saint James, Volume III.

No comments about Un Gran Fin de Semana en Sevilla/ A Great Weekend in Seville.

5 comments about Let's Go 2001: Spain & Portugal Incl Morocco: The World's Bestselling Budget Travel Series.

1. I used Let's Go Europe a couple years ago and am going back to Spain next year. I just bought this guide and it's great! I especially like how they rate the accommodations - very helpful. Let's Go guides are definitely the most helpful for students and low budget travel.



2. I am currently studying in Spain for the semester. Everywhere I go I bring my Let's Go guide; it is the most dog-earred book I own. My friend and fellow traveler owns both Let's Go Spain and the Lonely Planet Guide to Spain - the Lonely Planet guide sits on her shelf, unused and abandoned.

   The format of Let's Go is very logical - the book is organized into countries (Spain, Portugal, and Morrocco), and within countries there are regions, within regions provinces, within provinces cities, within cities the towns surrounding them. Many of the larger cities listed have basic maps as well. Each place listed has a brief introduction/history, and information on transportation, orientation and practical information, accomodations, food, sights, entertainment, and daytrips. The authors attempt to list schedules and such for attractions and buses and trains, but as one will find out, the Spanish are constantly changing their schedules due to some religious holiday or the siesta. It is best to check the schedule of each place yourself, which is suggested in the book. You must take into account that it was written in 2000 for 2001 - that also accounts for discrepencies in times and prices. Despite this unavoidable issue, I have found that Let's Go provides an honest, down to earth, mostly accurate, and cheap guide to getting around Spain. I would really be literally lost without it! The accommations info is particularily useful; there are only about a million pensiones in each pueblo in Spain. Let's Go helps narrow the list down, and guarantee that you get your money's worth. Even if you don't need to travel on a small budget, I would recommend this guide because of the wealth of information.

   One of my favorite features of the book is the part that lists daytrips. Sometimes you need to, and want to, get out of the city and explore things that are a little off the beaten track. The daytrip section is perfect for this! Sad to say, I didn't have a Let's Go book for my recent travels across eastern Europe (i had an old copy of a Lonely Planet Central Europe on a shoestring). My friends and I missed Let's Go's commentary and easy to use format. If the guide to Spain is anything to go by, I know I will buy Let's Go guides for my travels across the world!




3. The 1993 and 1999 editions have gotten me though Spain with maximum fun and minimal money. The 2001 edition is helping me plan my third trip. Sure, there are other good guides out there, but Let's Go is written by real travelers, passing on their knowledge and experience to the reader. Each section also comes with a brief, yet detailed history and list of suggested stops along your way. Even if you are not going anywhere, Let's Go is a great read. After you are done, you will want to travel.



4. It was my first time alone in a foreign land. My Spanish was rough, and my brain was working about half as fast as my tongue. The street names were barely visible on the sides of buildings. When I thought all was lost, I reached in my backpack and pulled out my Let's Go. I'll tell you, from that point on, I always knew where I was going, where to sleep and eat, and finally, what to expect at all times. Let's Go Spain and Portugal helped me get around both countries with ease and delight. With handy maps of cities of all sizes and helpful commentaries on popular tourist sites, I had a most splendid vacation on the Iberian Peninsula. I highly recommend it. It's accurate and a breeze to follow.



5. This book made traveling very easy and inexpensive. The restaurants they mentioned were the best ones that we tried and really helped us find vegetarian cuisine in such a pork-obsessed country. The maps and information were accurate. The writing style was witty and to the point. I recommend this book to any student or budget traveler who is thinking about going to Spain. They (the book and the country) are an adventurer's delight!

No comments about iSpeak Europe Phrasebook: See + Hear 1,800 Travel Phrases on Your iPod (iSpeak Audio Phrasebook).

No comments about Barcelona: A Thousand Years of the City's Past.