1 comments about The Amazon: Past, Present, and Future.

1. This book is an excellent introduction to the Amazon's tortured past and offers some insight into the region's prospects. What really sets it apart are the illustrations, many from early manuscripts. Reproduced woodcuts and watercolors give the reader a genuine feel for how the conquistadors and early explorers perceived the Amazon's people and wildlife. The book progresses logically, from initial forays looking for El Dorado and cinnamon forests to the explorer-scientists, in a sweeping historical vista. Gheerbrant's account of the rubber boom is especially poignant, and the reader becomes utterly outraged at the shamelessly inhumane treatment of local tribes by greedy industrialists. The book's reproduced photographs from this era drive home the untrammeled brutality of the rubber barons in their urge to acquire riches at any cost to the indigenous people. The author's observations of the Amazon's current status (the "Present") seem somewhat outdated, as the area is changing fast and there is not much on conservation efforts or scientific research (although other books cater). The "Documents" section added as a sort of appendix offer some interesting facts, but seem collected together on a rather ad-hoc basis. However, the chronology and bibliography are commendable. Generally well-written, in places the text seems a bit convoluted and may frustrate readers used to a snappier style. Perhaps something happened in the translation. In summary, I recommend this book for its illustrations, and overall historical perspective.

1 comments about Backpacker Patagonia (Backpackers' Latin America).

1. We just returned from a six week tour of Patagonia using this guide. We enjoyed all of the hikes, treks and tours recommended in the guide. We stayed in some of the recommended hostels and found them to be as described. Restaurants, addresses, telephone number, and e-mail addresses listed in the book were mostly obsolete; to be expected in a rapidly changing area swarmed by tourism. Except for public transportation costs, the costs of all services listed in the guide were off by 30 to 40 percent (too low).
   
   The reasons we purchased this guide for our trip was that it had the most current publication date and it addressed the primary area that we intended to visit: Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia.
   
   The primary reason for awarding a low rating to this guide book is the guide book's abominable design (risk of ordering on-line):
   1. It is printed on heavy large format glossy paper and contains many pages; hence, it is very heavy. Too heavy to take with you in the backpack. Small format books like the Lonely Planet guides are more convenient to pack and haul with you.
   2. The maps in the guide book are illegible. Use of color and small print on the maps and in the reference symbols makes them unreadable in low light conditions. Guides like the Lonely Planet that use simple monochrome line drawings for maps are superior.
   3. Including ads in a guide book not only adds to its weight but is ethically questionable.

2 comments about Bogota From The Air.

1. The book is perfect to describe Bogota and show every one around the world another face about Colombia and specifically Bogota. Also it is and excellent skill to describe a define places into the city.



2. Bogotá is one of the most beautiful and modern Latin American metropolis! Certainly, the city deserves a better image than the one presented by the nightly news and this book does just that and more!
   
   Bogotá is seen here from the perspective that is usually reserved to birds, the Gods in heaven, and occasionally humans in modern airplanes landing or departing El Dorado airport. But, that is usually not enough since the city from the window of an airplane appears distant and is only seen in quick glimpses as the airplane either departs or lands or flies over the city.
   
   This book takes the reader deep into the heart of Bogotá, makes it a personal journey where the city is seen from above but still appears withing touch. It's close, it's easy to see and analyse, its easy to appreciate. The modern improvements Bogotá has achieved thus far are all on display, but what I like the most of the book is that it does not ignores the problem areas. The poor areas of southern Bogota are given as much priority as the wealthy northern areas, because after all is done and settled, it's all one Bogotá.
   
   The views from above are impressive, the writing is intriguing and creates a sense of understanding a place that is often misunderstood. Bogotá is beautiful, its amazing, its modern, its the pride and joy of a great South American country!

No comments about The Amazon (River Journey).

2 comments about Silent Speedways of the Carolinas: The Grand National Histories of 29 Former Tracks.

1. Anyone interested in racing should purchase this book. Good look at tracks in the south and the part they played in forming todays sport.



2. Mr. Wood has taken a question bounced from one "good ole' boy" to another ever since the the silence grew deafening to those in the racing world, and given it 29 births, lives, and alas, histories, all wrapped up quite nicely in this book.
   
   This is a detailed look inside of what started as the proverbial heart beating of NASCAR as we know it, as well as a first hand account of Perry Allen Wood growing up in the midst of all the greatness that racing and NASCAR had to offer such as these now sadly, silent speedways and the legends that made them famous and vice versa. Perry Wood was so obviously brought alive first hand by the thundering roar of the call "Gentlemen, Start Your Engines" and the smell of the gasoline and rubber, not to mention, the sound of metal against metal, guaranteed to bring any spectator to their feet.
   
   Racing and what it meant and stood for is obviously a part of Perry Allen Wood and deeply ingrained to say the least. If the passion he has shown in this work, "Silent Speedways" is in any way, an insight to Mr. Wood, then it is without doubt from a readers stand point, that his heart lies with racing and related subjects, just as much or higly more so than those of us "square box worshiping, AC addictied, "baby, get me another beer" types. So then...good news for us 'fans',it looks as though those of us that once made the seemingly endless nomadic, pilgrimages to those 29 racetracks that are no more, we'll just have to change our route to detour the nearest bookstore for the latest title from racings newest smoking weapon. AND NO LINE JUMPING, I'M FIRST!

No comments about Touring the Coastal South Carolina Backroads (Touring the Backroads).

No comments about Alabama (America series).

No comments about Knopf Guide: Brazil (Knopf Guides).

No comments about Rideau.

No comments about Across South America an Account of a Journey from Buenos Aires to Lima.