Editorial Review

Reviews

Essential, October 7, 2010
Used the 2010 version this past Summer and was essential. Got the 2011 as soon as it was released. Reading it post-journey was like visiting an old friend. Many suggestions in the book make even more sense after being there. We trust Rick Steves guides.

More detailed than the nationwide Italy guide, October 11, 2010
We had a copy of Rick Steves' Italy guide but later got an opportunity to browse this Florence & Tuscany guide. There is more detail in this localized guide, so we took both for our trip. For self-guided tours through the museums, this local guide is better. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Very comprehensive, November 11, 2010
The Rick Steves guide to Rome provides a wealth of helpful information. The book is well-organized and includes maps and a section on side trips.

one thing missing, October 16, 2010
Overwhelming to read at first; Fodo's book is better illustrated. Wish it had a pull out map of public transportation and another detailed map of the city. Wait till we get there to purchase the maps is another item added to the to do list. We will be there for Christmas and the book hardly covered how do we survive the 2 days holiday (almost all restaurant would close but will the museums open?). We also bought the phrase book; hope it's more helpful. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Nobody knows Argentina like Lonely Planet. Whether you want to tango though the night in Buenos Aires, climb glaciers in Patagonia, gallop with gauchos across the Pampas, sample Malbec in Mendoza or savor the world’s best steak, our unbeatable 7th edition will show you how – and make your journey unforgettable.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide:

Inspiring color highlights section introduces the best of Argentina
Stylish city coverage with the best eating, shopping and nightlife
Full-color outdoors chapter with hiking, cycling, skiing and more
... Read more

Reviews

Mi Querida Argentina, January 24, 2009

A Must have Guide for Anybody Heading to Argentina, February 9, 2009

Argentina Lonely Planet (Country Guide), February 26, 2009

Make sure you get the new edition coming out Sept 2010, August 25, 2010
I just returned from a month-long trip to Argentina in July 2010. The newest Lonely Planet Argentina isn't coming out until September 2010 so we travelled with the older version. Although the guide has a warning about price increases, I was shocked to find almost every price quoted in the book to be about 40-50% higher than written. I do understand that prices in Argentina have skyrocketed in the past 10 years, but perhaps Lonely Planet should have researched a new edition sooner. The huge increase in prices almost doubled the budgeted cost of our trip.

That being said, I do feel the place and attraction descriptions were accurate and it was a good source of basic information from which to start researching where we wanted to go. The maps and addresses were accurate.

It has a HUGE Buenos Aires section, but we didn't spend much time there during the month so I can't honestly evaluate that section. We did have significant difficultly making reservations in Buenos Aires because at least 5 of the places listed in the book were full.

This guidebook also has a significant, more accurate, and well-written section on Uruguay. Although I am not sure why they didn't name it "Argentina and Uruguay" since Uruguay is another country, not a region of Argentina. My friends in Uruguay were quite insulted by this and felt it was "typical arrogant Argentine behavior". The information in the Uruguay section was more accurate that the info in the Argentina section.

Lastly, I felt the lodging and attractions listings were mostly geared toward travellers ages 18-25. We are a family travelling with two children, and often felt it hard to find affordable places to stay that weren't party hostels among the listings in the book. We even made reservations and paid a deposit at a place in Iguazu and found out once we arrived that they don't allow children! It would have been nice to read that ahead of time in the book. And I felt that there were very few activities and things to see that were geared toward families. Surely they exist!

Good general guide with great maps, July 11, 2009
Argentina is a huge and very diverse country and a guide book is very handy to have. The many maps are extremely helpful, and the how to get there and away sections are great. This book is also filled with lots of helpful hints like dangers and annoyances, interesting places to go, and history. Most of the hotel recommendations have been helpful, but be aware that many people read this book, and the recommended hotels can often be full. I have also met some of the authors, and their tight budgets and time schedules do not allow them to check out all the options. I would recommend buying this book, but keep your eyes and ears open. Many of the best hotels and restaurants that I have found have been from word of mouth of other travelers, or roaming the streets. Restaurants and bus schedules often change, so it is best to observe them for yourself. Dancing on the Edge of an Endangered Planet

Alternative Views, Not Always Reliable, February 18, 2009

August 2010 edition, November 17, 2010
We relied on the August 2010 edition for our 3-week visit to Argentina in October 2010. We met travelers from Canada and Ireland with the same August edition! It's packed with facts, very good comments and advice. Our trip went as planned, with no major surprises. Prices were higher than listed.
The maps have fine print, black and white, and are hard to use. Buenos Aires has several neighborhood maps that are good to locate something in a neighborhood, but the neighborhood fragments are hard to assemble into a unified city view.

Nicely Practical Travel Guide, September 12, 2010
Once again Lonely Planet provides a highly useful guide to that exciting destination of Argentina. This book is nicely practical and highly informative without being wordy or difficult. Lonely Planet provides solid information on culture, geography, affordable lodging and travel hostels, restuarants, long-distance bus transportation, etc. Wise travelers study this book (or certain sections) in advance regarding what they'd like to see and do. As this book shows, city buffs can savor world-class food, nightlife, and shopping in Buenos Aires, or slightly calmer locations like Cordoba or Rosario. Outdoor types may choose to enjoy Mendoza, the Andes Mountains, the Lake District, whale watching in Puerto Madryn, the waterfalls of Iguazu, etc. Many vistors travel between the often-distant destinations by frequent, comfortable night busses. As the book advises, when applicable pay a few extra pesos for cama class or cama executivo and enjoy on-board dinner, wine, and a roomy, fully-reclining seat - while avoiding the cost of a hotel. Travelers that can speak some Spanish may find Argentinians surprisingly friendly despite their rapid accent and mild reputation for arrogance.

This books states that prices may be higher than listed due to inflation and currency fluctuations (it's nearly four pesos to the dollar at this writing). Also, temperatures during their winter (June-September) range from chilly to mild, Buenos Aires has some homeless, and the offer useful advice on avoding dangers and annoyances - although Argentina is generally pretty safe. I do wish they'd give the approximate number of hotels & inns in smaller cities when they cannot list each location. Still, this is a nicely practical guide for novices and experienced travelers. As they say, don't leave home without your Lonely Planet.

VERY detailed. . ., March 19, 2009

You Can't Beat A Lonely Planet Guide Book...., January 19, 2009

Editorial Review

In the Steps of Jesus presents a visually stimulating tour of the places Jesus visited and ministered in during his time on earth as recorded in the Gospels. Each location is addressed separately and includes such cities as Capernaum, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. Full color photos bring to life the ancient world of the Bible few will ever be able to visit in person. With every page, the reader will gain greater insight into the history, geography, and unique features of these historic places. A must-have reference book for those interested in the study of the New Testament and the life of Christ. ... Read more

Reviews

Great guide to the Holy Land, March 20, 2008
Peter Walker takes the reader on both a historical and modern day tour of the Holy Land. This work is full of helpful maps and pictures of the land in which Jesus traveled, beginning in Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus and from there to Nazareth. There is a key days chart for each location discussed and the important all of the important events that have happened there throughout history. The focus is obviously on the time of Jesus, but each section has a section about today (e.g. Bethlehem Today). The author also give instructions and tips to anyone who is going to be taking a trip to Israel. Other locations that are included at the Jordan River, The Judean Desert, Galilee and its villages, Samaria, Caesarea Philippi, Jericho, Bethany, the Mount of Olives, the Temple, Jerusalem, Golgotha, and Emmaus. If you have read N. T. Wright's book "The Way of the Lord" and enjoyed it, then you will like this book as well. Walker seems to have been inspired, at least somewhat by Wright's work.

If you read one christian book make it this one, May 29, 2008
If you read one other Christian Book outside of the bible it needs to be this book. This book is excellent!!!!!It is a mix of standard bible commentary, some bible archeology, and a travel book all mixed up in one. The author also uses some references about the bible stories from ancient texts like Josephus and others. The book has a liberal amount of photo graphs of the bible sites as they are today. Reading this book will give you a feeling of actually visiting the Holy Land. (Actually visiting the site is also a must do thing for anyone) Looking at the faith stories from a modern perspective with a little commentary and history mixed gives you a new look. The truth of the gospel will stand out from reading this book like a sore thumb after you hit it with a hammer. Actually looking at the site as it is today makes you see the event as a real thing and not just literature. This book won't convert anyone but if you are a believer you will love the book.

An Outstanding Holy Land Reference, November 5, 2009
This resource is outstanding because it brings together information from various areas to make the Holy Land understandable, across a range of information, both current and historical. You always have the feeling that you are there! If you study a region, or even a city, there are the important historical dates before, during and after Jesus life time. If you view a region, it is through the integrated perspective of historical and modern maps, current photos and art, and significant biblical quotations and stories to go with the event under consideration. What makes the book so terrific is that while refecting many academic disciplines in the presentation, the text is very readable and understandable. This is one of those books that you think of as a classic. I wish I had access to this resource prior to my first trip to the Holy Land many years ago, however, I think it will be relevant any time to prepare for a trip, or to renew old memories.

Good on it`s own way, January 7, 2010
This book wants to be a guide for Christian pilgrims. Since I visited
the places which are depicted in the book, I come to the judgment that
the author did this very well, spirited and originally. Besides Peter
Walker surprises with extraordinairy interpretations of the scriptural
testimonies of the New Testament which cannot be found in usual guide
books. His style of writing conveys pleasant containment. Here the
author not just reported about historic events and local specialities,
rather he reasoned beyond the conventionel and traditional. This makes
the book to a lucky pull for every Irsael traveller, who knew Israel
only from the Bible. The pictorial material completes this felicitous
work properly. Travelling widens the horizon. This book does it also!
Highly recommended!
picted in the book, I come to the judgment that
the author did this very well, spirited and originally. Besides Peter
Walker surprises with extraordinairy interpretations of the scriptural
testimonies of the New Testament which cannot be found in usual guide
books. His style of writing conveys pleasant containment. Here the
author not just reported about historic events and local specialities,
rather he reasoned beyond the conventionel and traditional. This makes
the book to a lucky pull for every Irsael traveller, who knew Israel
only from the Bible. The pictorial material completes this felicitous
work properly. Travelling widens the horizon. This book does it also!
Highly recommended!

Walking where Jesus walked, November 9, 2010
Having been to Israel twice and going back in a few months, I would recommend this book. It provides good background to the events that took place in the Bible as well as what a traveler could expect today. The pictures alone, including the aerial views, are incredible. If you are a believer and you've never been to the Holy Land, this book is the next best thing. But I am betting someone who has never been and is reading this book will begin to look for ways to go. The best part for me is the sections in each chapter called "(Name of chapter) today," for here the author gives practical advice about seeing the most important places. There are also several places where he gives advice on seeing the most you can in that arena with limited time (i.e. a weekend). I certainly wouldn't follow his advice place by place, but he certainly gives some good ideas. This is definitely a book you will want along with some of the guidebooks if you plan to go to Israel; it is vital to learn as much as you can before you go. ... Read more

Editorial Review

• Completely updated every year, Frommer's Alaska features gorgeous color photos of the sights and experiences that await you.
• Our expert author lets you know your best bets for spotting wildlife, catching salmon or halibut, and getting up-close-and-personal with glaciers. Plus, detailed information on Alaska’s most scenic drives and where you can go to interact with Native people and culture.
• Our cruise experts break down the variety of Alaska cruises, from the debate between small versus large boats to who you can expect to be sailing with when you choose a particular cruise line. 
• Plus, the best scenic drives along Alaska's highways, a guide to exploring Denali and Kenai Fjords national parks, "when, where and how" for viewing bears, whales, and other wildlife and insider advice on getting the most out of your Alaska cruise experience

Reviews

A really excellent travel guide!, May 20, 2010

Full of great information, pictures, and maps. Well Organized., March 18, 2010

handy guide to Alaska travel, June 26, 2010

Great guide to Alaska!, August 25, 2010

Finally a Frommer's Guide that Does the State Justice, June 6, 2010

Informative, March 4, 2010

A Dream Guide Book for a Dream Trip, March 18, 2010

Awesome, very helpful book!!, July 21, 2010
After looking through this book I really hope we can make it to Alaska!! There's great tips, helpful info, color pictures. It's organized into sections which is very helpful & gives you page numbers when it refers to something that was discussed in more depth in another section. It has suggested itineraries for different kinds of travelers. I really don't know what more you could ask for in a travel guide.

a new angle for touring Alaska, May 30, 2010
A really interesting book that gives a different angle (as compare to Lonely planet or Rough guide etc...) about traveling in Alaska, the attached map is nice though not that detailed, great pictures - very good information, I recommend as a good book to study before heading up North :)

Essential, March 25, 2010

Editorial Review

Year after year, hundreds of millions of visitors spend more than a billion hours enjoying the magnificent, astonishingly diverse realm overseen by America’s National Park Service. And the National Geographic Society has been involved with this forward-looking, environmentally-minded department from the very beginning.

This extensive travel planner covers not just the 58 official National Parks but also the nearly 350 additional properties in the Park Service’s domain. The premier Parks are described in detail, but equal attention is given to the National Monuments, Memorials, Preserves, Historic Sites, Battlefields, Cemeteries, and Seashores, not to mention a network of "National Trails" and even the intriguingly referred to "Affiliated Areas." From Yellowstone to the Statue of Liberty, from the hallowed ground of Gettysburg National Military Park to the Pacific waters shrouding Hawaii’s U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, this catalog spans American history and territory both, with practical advice on how to reach each park, when to go, and what to do there. ... Read more

Reviews

Complete but superficial, February 16, 2010
While called the "Complete National Parks of the United States", it covers everything managed by the National Parks Service; the cover boasts "Featuring 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores". While it may get a "A" for completeness, at a little over 500 pages don't expect comprehensive coverage of over 400 sites.

Many of the entries are covered in half a page, often without a photo. Even the major parks and monuments only get a few pages. (Yosemite and Yellowstone get about four pages each.) While it may be useful for finding out about a site near where you live or are planning to visit, for anything but quick stops you'll want to find a more comprehensive guide. Think of this book as a compendium of abstracts of sites you might want to learn more about rather than a guide to those sites and your expectations should be met.

Complete National Parks, March 5, 2010
This book lives up to its billing as it covers all properties managed by the National Park service. Of course it is time locked in that sooner or later it will be obsolete. But for now, this is as good a reference book as you will find on this subject. I agree with other reviewers that it is lacking in photographs. Since National Geographic is famous for its photos, a few more pages and a lot more photos would have been nice, but then the cost would be more. However, National Geographic isn't bashful about what it charges for other books they put out so the lack of photos is a bit confusing.

But if a picture is worth a thousand words, the lack of pictures forces good descriptive text. Here is where this book shines. The author has written just enough text to give the reader sufficient information about the site. But in most cases that is adequate to determine whether that site appears on one's travel agenda or not.

Several of the major national parks have much more coverage, and the accompanying photos that bring those entries to life. These are what makes this book worth the money. One can reader about the park and get detailed information on any driving or hiking tours the site may offer. One could really plan an itinerary from the information provided by this book.

So from the obscure (I had never heard of some of the sites listed) to the well known, this book does live up to its title. It is, at least for the time being, the "complete" national parks reference book.

A powerful pick, May 18, 2010
Complete National Parks of the U.S. is a 'must' for any collection catering to domestic travelers. While many competing books on the nation's parks are in print, this one differs with its inclusion of monuments, battle sites, scenic trails, and seashores with in-depth visiting details paired with color photos. Discussions of how to best view the park offer details not just on the park, but surrounding natural attractions. A powerful pick.

Great National Park Service Resource, March 25, 2010
Not too in-depth on each site, but I purchased the book because of how inclusive it was of more than just national parks. I was not disappointed. Overall, I am still very satisfied. It is a great resource to have.

National Parks, March 16, 2010
This is not at all what I was looking for. This is all history of presidents and other americans role in making national parks. I thought it was going to be a beautiful pictoral display of some of the best national parks but a lot of it is in black and white from the forties and fifties. Not worth the money! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Frommer's Australia is packed with all the facts, tips, and descriptions you need to have perfect vacation:

• Completely updated every year, Frommer?s Australia features gorgeous full-color photos of the Outback vistas, curious wildlife, and white-sand beaches that await you.
• Our authors have lived in and written about Australia for years, so they?re able to provide valuable insights and advice. They?ll steer you away from the touristy and the inauthentic and show you the real heart of the land Down Under. Let them take you to exciting cities, Aboriginal homesteads, Barossa Valley vineyards, and natural wonders, from the Wet Tropics Rainforest to Uluru to the Great Barrier Reef. You?ll travel Australia like a pro using their candid advice and in-depth knowledge of the culture.
• Also included are accurate regional and town maps, up-to-date advice on finding the best package deals, a free color fold-out map, and an online directory that makes trip-planning a snap!

Reviews

Helpful Australia Guide!, November 20, 2010
I am planning a three week trip to Australia for this January. I have two other guides published by other companies and have found this new Frommer's Guide to be the most useful. It has lots of information and useful tips - while the format makes it easy to find locations. This year, buy this guide!

Amazon Australia rubbish, November 30, 2010
I put Amazon Australia on the web and now find that on book published in Astralia about Australia is being sent there from America and taking months to arrive. Absolutely stupid. Can't even cancel or return as it was a Xmas gift now arriving January, ... Read more

Editorial Review

A modern atlas demands not just state-of-the-art cartography but a vast array of information organized clearly, efficiently, and above all, usefully—and that’s what the Family Reference Atlas provides: more than 1,000 maps, illustrations, and photographs; more than 400 charts and tables; and 30 global thematic spreads displaying key facts and figures on everything from biodiversity and the distribution of natural resources to world health and education, global Internet connectivity, and conflict and terror hot spots.

A comprehensive index makes it easy to pinpoint more than 40,000 locations all over the globe. Need to know the population of Brunei, what the weather’s like in San Juan in March, or how to use metric conversions? These answers and thousands more are at your fingertips. Readers learn about the planet itself—landforms, the biosphere, continental drift, environmental change—and the human world’s many dimensions, from political, religious, and economic data to population trends and the effect of globalization. The atlas even reaches beyond Earth to explore the solar system, the Milky Way, and the Universe. ... Read more

Reviews

Family Reference Atlas a gem, November 27, 2009
This atlas is a beutiful compact version of National Geographic's bigger atlases, still with many thematic maps on up-to-date topics as well as covering all parts of the globe in impressive cartographic detail. 14 pages of maps and illustration on Space alone present a great visualization of our universe. And as in all of their atlases, I love the quick-find key to the maps on the inside covers (in addition to the extensive index)!

Deluxe Atlas at Fair Price, December 21, 2009
As an atlas collector, this one rates well. This is a beautiful book with a fantastic durable cover. It's content is current (including newer countries such as Kosovo), providing the reader the necessary information on not just each country of the world, but also territories and every U.S. state. In comparison to National Geographic's Collegiate World Atlas, it does not provide the same cartographic detail as that slightly more compact atlas, but makes up for it with easy-to-read country bio information, including flags. A great buy!

VERY GOOD BOOK FOR LEARNING GEOGRAPHY, January 14, 2010
TO LEARN THE WORLD WE ARE LIVING
FROM NATURE TO CULTURE
FROM EARTH TO SPACE
FROM NATION TO OCEAN
WORTHY TO SPEND TIME WITH THIE BOOK

Not what I ordered, September 19, 2010
I ordered the Third Edition but instead I received the Second Edition...the receipt even said Third but the book is definitely Second. I was/am not happy about it. I would like the more current edition. I emailed but never got a response about it. The book I received is in good shape and shipping was pretty fast. I just wish it was what I ordered/payed for...still want. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Nobody knows Peru like Lonely Planet, and our unbeatable 7th edition gives you the key to its legendary past and exciting present. Watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu, shop at colorful crafts markets, puzzle over the mysterious Nazca Lines and sample sublime ceviche. We'll take you there - and beyond.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide:

Full-Color Outdoors chapter features hiking, climbing and surfing
Extensive coverage of Lima's world-renowned culinary scene
Fascinating full-color chapter reveals Peru's ancient sites and cultures
... Read more

Reviews

Disappointed with this Guide, November 23, 2005
This is the first Lonely Planet guide my wife and I have ever been disappointed with. We were in Peru in November of 2005 and relied on this guide to plan hotels, excursions and restaurants in Lima and Cusco.

The big problem with this guide was with the information on Cusco -- prices and information were out of date, and we were constantly surprised to find that things the book lists as free cost money, and the costs of tours, trips, and entrance fees were much more than what the book stated. I would go as far as to say that the book was wrong more than 80% of the time. Consequently, we eneded up spending much more money that we had anticipated, and ended up not going to several sites to avoid blowing the budget we set for this trip. An added drawback to this book was, when walking around Cusco with it in hand, having guides and other tourists go out of their way to tell you what a bad guidebook this is. (I wish I was making this up.)

I also found that the information on hotels in Lima was not very good. The hotel I stayed at was excellent and not even listed. However, the hotel next door, which was not nearly as nice, was listed and given high marks. I would have been upset if I relied on the book and stayed at the place next door.

I believe these problems are all because this guide has not been updated. And until it is, I wouldn't recommend relying on it to plan a vacation.

The Least Helfpul Lonely Planet Guide, October 18, 2005
I swear by Lonely Planet guides since 1999 and found their books to be superior in many destinations, but the Peru book is an unfortunate exception. I hope that the publisher puts it for a complete re-write like they did with LP Bolivia. Anyway... I have traveled in Peru for 2 months and the following are the problems with the book: in each city I found that many addresses and locations marked on the maps are incorrect and represent either private residences, closed establishments, or a few blocks off; the information between sections does not jive (the book gives different travel times to/from Arequipa, depending on the chapter you are reading even though the cities are the same); the book gives BAD advice on what to do - in Lima it suggests a bicycle trip to Pachakamac ruins, which is a suicide mission because it involves first cycling through the slums of Lima and then many miles on the shoulder of Panamericana w/o a cycle lane, pretty much sharing the road with speeding trucks and buses; the book skips on the choice destinations and activities by locals - I was amazed that LP did not even mention Lares hotsprings near Cusco, which is not only the finest hotspring in the region, but also a spectacular trek, and the choice of local residents to visit when they have time off; many establishments, such as restaurants, mentioned in the book no longer conform to the description either due to change of ownership or just being spoiled by listing in the guide... There many other misc inaccuracies in the book as well. Alas, I can't recommend this guide book for travel in Peru. I ended up getting most of my intel from the South American Explorers club or just talking with the locals.

Practical advice, cultural perspectives, good maps, March 4, 2005
I never visit a country with just one guidebook. For Peru, with its diversity of places and wildlife I got several. However if I really had to pick my favorite for Peru, I would chose Lonely Planet. The city maps are fairly good for the larger, more visited areas. The sections on history and culture are interesting and insightful without being too lengthy.

I particularly liked the section on health issues. This guidebook did a better job with altitude sickness, and some of the jungle diseases than any of the other guidebooks I have read. To my chagrim, I read that the two most commonly used medications for altitude sickness were contraindicated for me. I found out that I would have to plan well before my trip so that I could get all of the the proper immunizations for the jungle part of our trip. Based on the book, I decided to get a travel medicine consult--a very good move that probably saved me a lot of potential problems.

The sections on social customs and conveniences were helpful. You wouldn't buy a guidebook just because it has a section explaining Peruvain toilets and toilet paper, but things like this are really really useful if you are traveling with kids.

The climate charts for different sections of Peru only occupy a page or two, but are actually quite helpful in planning vacation dates.

I would have liked for the guide to include more information on the beautiful and remote Manu National Park. I had to buy another book and go on the Internet to get much information on that area.

Just got back from Peru, and my LP guide was heavily used, June 8, 2000
My finger oil and dirt are all over the pages of my LP Peru book... I used it a lot, and it was accurate, informative, and reliable (or at least as much so as possible when accounting for the constant changes in the dynamic 3rd world). I stayed mostly in 2-star hostels or hotels, and all described in LP were accurate. I even managed to avoid getting sick from food while eating at many of LP's recommended eateries. (I would strongly recommend, however, to heed the warnings about altitude sickness.:) ) When they said a hotel or hostel was a good value, it was certainly accurate. I found LP Peru to be the best of the 3 LP's I used on the trip (Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil). Most maps are good, but sometimes street names are mentioned in the text and one has to search the maps street by street to find it (a minor complaint). Overall... its certainly a recommended book for Peru-bound travelers.

Great Guidebook!, April 3, 2000
This book is well organized, presenting important and useful information in an easy-to-read format. Facts about the country and guidance for travel within Peru are included in the first four chapters in the book. The next several chapters are neatly organized by area within Peru. The colored tabs are a great help in finding the different sections of the book. The map of Peru inside the front of the book is in color, giving instant information to the reader about the elevation of the area, along with a brief description of the highlights of the area. Great book!

Usefull, lots of good advice and accurate guides, June 10, 2010
Bought the 2010 edition of the Lonely Planet Peru right when it came out, just weeks before my trip to Peru. Before leaving for Peru I also read the Moon Handbook and Eyewitness Travel, but this was the only book we carried. We did a typical trip from Lima to Cusco, Pisac, Ollanta, Machu Picchu, and then on to Puerto Maldonado & the Amazon Basin. The only issue we ran into, that wasn't the fault of Lonely Planet, was that the major flooding in early 2010 that wiped out the railroads for several months from Cusco to Aguas Callientes (Machu Picchu) caused a lot of unknowns when dealing with Perurail. This edition was not without its inaccuracies though. For example, at the time of our visit, you could not buy entrance tickets at the entrance to Machu Picchu; you had to buy them below at the MP ticket office in Aguas Callientes (which is only a recommended option by Lonely Planet). They should also point out that the ATM's in Aguas Callientes seem to never have cash, so have enough beforehand.

We tried several of Lonely Planet's "picks" for restaurants and hotels, and definitely agree with their recommendations. Price guidelines for hotels and food were useful and fairly accurate too. Knowing what a bus or cab should cost before getting onboard was very helpful. The book also had some good recommendations for hikes and side-trips that I didn't see in the other books I read. I will say that the Moon Travel book has a lot of good recommendations that we took as well. Traveling in Peru is not very complicated, but we made good use of this guide and I would recommend it. Peru is an amazing place to travel and the 2010 Lonely Planet guide helped a lot.

The New Lonely Planet leaves out the shoestring travellers, September 16, 2005
I am so dissapointed that the Lonely Planet Guides are changing their format and leaving out the budget traveller. This was evident in the Peru guide, the first of these new Lonely Planets I have used. The voice has really changed, and many of the suggested sites and so forth no longer speak to travellers on a small budget or travellers wanting to get off the beaten path. The clarity of the guide remained intact. The maps were great, and many of the essential details I found deficient in the Rough Guide were included in the Lonely Planet. But without the Rough Guide, I would have missed many of the great experiences I had in Peru.

A big disappointment., September 14, 2000
I'd used Lonely Planet several times in both east and west Africa, and was impressed by the breadth of their coverage. So when planning a trip to South America, I bought their guide to Peru, as well as their books to Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. The plan was to start in Quito and spend six months en route to Tierra del Fuego. Well, I'm in Cuzco now, and just steps from Machu Picchu, I've dumped all four at a book exchange. The Ecuador book (last written about eight coups and one currency ago) was a joke. Some of the museums I tried to visit had disappeared or moved, years ago. Many of the railways I tried to ride had been crushed in mudslides. The restaurants they recommended? Some never existed at all, according to townspeople. But it wasn't until Peru that I really lost all patience. The transportation information is a joke, and some of the information about jungle trekking near Iquitos is downright dangerous. The most infuriating thing about this is that this was a brand-new edition--it came out right before I left. Yet I really don't think they updated a single thing in the book--I've compared it with other travelers' old editions, and the two are identical; basically, Lonely Planet slapped another cover on the same old coverage and re-released it. I wouldn't recommend Lonely Planet's South American books to anyone. __________________________

Another great hit by Lonely Planet, December 27, 2000
This very recent guide published by Lonely Planet in year 2000 is an indisensable and wonderful tool to take to Peru with you. As always, LP has explored the country, giving you advice on places to stay - from top 5-star hotels to low-budget accommodation - as well as restaurants, transport, etc. There is little or nothing which you won't find in this book, because this guide has it all... Including indispensable advice on local customs, how to deal with people, what to buy, etc, as well as historical, social and political overviews, all up-to-date ! A small piece of luggage, but well worth the weight and the price.

Very useful guide to Peru, August 10, 2005
I've been travelling to Peru regularly since the mid 1990s and lived in Lima for a year in 1996 to 1997. My wife is also a native of Lima, which is one of the reasons I'm back so often.

The Lonely Planet Peru guide is one of the books we continuously refer to for ideas and advice about trips and excursions around the country. The data regarding the different regions of the country is accurate and descriptive, the categorization of hotels and restaurants is as up-to-date as can be expected for a guidebook, and the overall format is easy to follow from section to section.

One thing to remember when using a guide like the Lonely Planet is that it is not a substitute for an encyclopedia or local knowledge, and cannot possible contain limitless information on every square inch of the country. But, it will help you navigate from place to place with relative ease and within a reasonable budget. I would recommend that once you reach a destinatation, hire a guide recommended by the book or take a city or town tour. Don't worry about looking like a tourist. The local already know your not from there!

Finally, Lima can be somewhat intimidating initially as it is a very large and busy city. But Peru is a very safe country and the people are friendly, and as a guest you should simply take the intelligent precautions to ensure that your trip goes smoothly. Using the Lonely Planet can help, and I would also recommend the South American Handbook, especially if you plan to visit more than one country on your trip. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Streetwise Paris Metro Map - Laminated Paris Metro Map - Folding pocket & wallet size metro map for travel

This map includes the following:
Paris Metro Map with RER
Paris Metro index

The STREETWISE® Paris Metro Map puts the entire Paris, France metro and RER system into the palm of your hand. Travel around Paris quickly and inexpensively on one of the world's greatest subway systems.

The front of the map has the entire system neatly diagrammed and color coded so you can easily spot either where you are or where you're going. All stations are indexed on the reverse side so you can quickly look up and find your desired station location.

Folded into thirds, the map is slightly larger than a credit card so it's conveniently sized to fit in your shirt pocket or purse.  This metro map of Paris is also laminated for durability and accordion folding for effortless use.  The STREETWISE® Paris metro map is one of several detailed and easy-to-read maps designed and published by STREETWISE®.  Buy your STREETWISE® Paris metro map today and you too can navigate Paris like a native.  For a larger selection of our detailed travel maps simply type STREETWISE MAPS into the Amazon search bar.  And don't forget to check out our regular STREETWISE Paris map.  It's the number 1 best selling travel map in Amazon.com history
... Read more

Reviews

disappointed in this cutie, January 20, 2007
I bought one for each of the three of us going to France. They were small and laminated, and would fit inside our passport covers. Should have guessed that anything that small would be useless. If you are over 40, forget it. I don't wear glasses, but I could not read the print. The arondissments are not clear. They were useless for us, but they were stylishly cute, all the while.

useful, January 7, 2009
I also bought the streetwise Paris map which has the same information only slightly larger print. I think the metro index would be good for a man to carry in his wallet or a woman to carry in her pocket because it folds into three parts to become just a little larger than a driver's license, but the Streetwise Paris map is better if you have a purse because it gives much more information. They are both laminated which is helpful.

Essential for an adventure in Paris, February 18, 2007
This little laminated map, of the Metro and RER lines in and around Paris, is one of the most valuable and cheap investments you can make before you visit.The details on this map are very small. If you have any difficulty reading fine print, a portable magnifying glass may be in order. This map folds into thirds and easily fits in your pocket. Both the RER and Metro lines are displayed on the same side, making it easy to recognize where to connect with other lines. The free maps from the train stations separate the different lines, making it more cumbersome to plot your course. Spend the money, get this one - you'll use it.

Get a Travel Guide, April 4, 2009
It's a high quality map, very attractive and waterproof. But it's not that useful on the ground. Get a good guide book with zone maps instead. We never referred to this even once in-country.

A Must Have for seeing Paris, April 22, 2010
This Streetwise metro map is just what the doctor ordered for seeing Paris smartly -- via the Paris Metro. I have purchased Streetwise maps of the cities of Paris and Rome for a coming trip, and this is a great companion. It's well worth the purchase price for its durability and ease of reading alone.

Paris metro map, October 11, 2008
OK but not worth the money. These are free (albeit not laminated) at any Paris Metro station. Only bought it as I needed to get up to 25 dollars to get free shipping.

Paris Mini Metro map, September 28, 2007
This map was so helpful to us when we walked around Paris a couple weeks ago. You can get a metro map when you get to Paris, but I didn't see one that included the whole city in one map. The Lonely Planet Paris guide had a good map, too, but the mini map is easy to put in your pocket and reference as needed.

Streetwise Paris Metro Map - Laminated Paris Metro Map - Folding pocket & wallet size metro map for travel [Folded Map] (Map), February 7, 2010
Not at all useful, too small, better maps are given free at hotels and stops. Overpriced. ... Read more

Reviews

Good, quick read. Enjoyed it a lot., November 4, 2007
While I haven't been on safari, I'm guessing that this book should be required reading for anyone who is able to make the trip. Peter Allison's book was a nice, quick read filled with lots of great stories about his experiences. All in all, I would recommend this book highly. Several stories made me laugh out loud.

Enjoy.

If you feel like laughing, October 1, 2007
Mr. Allison's, WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T RUN is filled with hilariously funny sometimes irreverent stories about his experiences as a safari guide in Botswana. The title is what drew me to his book, only food runs! You can't put it down, it is laugh out loud funny and you don't want it to end. Please write more! I can't wait for your next installment.

Bald-headed men beware! (Oh, just kidding.), January 14, 2008
Beginning in the mid-1990s, Peter Allison worked as a safari guide, primarily in Botswana. In Whatever You Do, Don't Run, Allison tells stories about his life in the bush. There are animal stories aplenty--a herd of elephants clustering protectively around its calving matriarch, a giant Python intent on crushing the life out of the author, an infestation of mice so desperately hungry they took to chewing on bald men's heads. But guides have to deal with paying guests as well as wild animals, and Allison does not shy from criticizing the spoiled and stupid among his tour groups.

In the hands of a more witty writer (think J. Maarten Troost's The Sex Lives of Cannibals), the material at Allison's disposal might have resulted in an unputdownable read. Allison's book isn't, but his stories are cute and amusing, and the author himself is likable and agreeably self-deprecating. Most interestingly, Whatever You Do, Don't Run gives readers a glimpse of an unusual llfestyle that most of us will probably not have given much thought to before: what's it like, day-to-day, to lead tourists around herds of impala and crocodile-infested rivers? If the subject matter is of interest, or if you like to browse the lives of people with jobs far different from yours, Allison's book is worth a quick read.

-- Debra Hamel

nearly late for work!, October 7, 2007
I was a bit hesitant about this book at first because of the very different style. Not in-your-face, nor condescending, not pretensious. Peter Allison is very funny and refreshingly self effacing. Humble, to use an old fashioned word.

But it was the adventure, the outrageous tourists, and the really unexpected turns of events that had me up way past midnight on a working day. So I was a bit out of it with clients. It was worth it!

Superb!

Only Food Runs, February 17, 2010
I recently read the non-fiction book Whatever You Do Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide. This story is about Peter Allison's detailed and amusing tales from when he moved from Australia to Africa. I have never been out of the country, nor on a safari but after reading this book I felt as if I had just been on one. I always have wanted to go on a safari in Africa and now I want to work as a safari guide there, too. All the crazy and unbelievable stories that Allison shares opens up the reader's eyes on how different and sometimes scary a new continent can be, but also extremely rewarding.

In the beginning of the book I didn't quite understand why Allison would want to move from his suburban home in Australia to the far less developed continent of Africa. There are so many creepy bugs and diseases you can catch, but then I realized that there are more than dangerous organisms living in Africa. There are beautiful sunsets, majestic animals and the awesome stories that come with living in Africa. Allison had a thirst for adventure that needed to be quenched. This was satisfied when he traveled to Botswana.

Allison easily admitted he made lots of mistakes while being in Africa. He drove a Land Rover right into a river infested with hippos, and he also had to search for a half-naked tourist who is a member of the British royal family. While reading this book, I learned that it is ok to try new things and to be not so great at them. Allison had no idea what he was getting himself into, he had originally planned only to stay for two years but he spent at least a dozen years being a safari guide. He fell in love with Africa and its many endangered animals.

After reading this book I am going to try to convince my parents to take me to Africa and go on a safari. And I am recommending this book to anyone who likes a good laugh and some very odd yet pleasing stories.

This book was so wonderful to read!, April 21, 2010
In the book Whatever You do Don't Run the author Peter Allison, the main character and safari guide, tells stories about his astonishing adventures in Africa. This book was so good! I love how it was non-fiction, but reads like a realistic fiction story. As a freshman in high school I would recommend this book to all my friends.
One of the major reasons why I liked the book a lot was because the stories Peter wrote about were so interesting. My personal favorite is when Peter went swimming with elephants and had to maneuver around them, so they wouldn't notice him. Along with this one there are plenty of other breathtaking stories. Another characteristic I love about this book is its comedy. This book was hilarious. Some of the absurd stories about animals and tourists just made me laugh out loud.
When looking at other ratings of this book I couldn't find many negative ones. However, I did find one stating that Peter talked negatively of his costumers (the tourists). I would agree that not all of his tourist stories are positive, but on the other hand these ridiculous stories make the book great. For example Peter wrote about a few tourists that would not follow his rules. They would feed the wild animals and constantly take pictures. Although the author did say negative comments about these people, they created an interesting and funny story for him. There were also times in the book when the author spoke very highly of his customers.
I really think the author's purpose of this book was to show the reader what it's like to be an African safari guide. I also think he wanted to show what it would be like to be a tourist. Peter Allison did an amazing job of this. He went into to ample detail about his job, and every event that happens with it. This book was definitely a page-turner, and it was a pretty quick read. I can't wait to read the sequel, Don't Look Behind You!

Whatever You Do, Don't Run, January 23, 2008
Peter Allison was 19 when he left his suburban home in Australia to follow his dream and backpack around Africa. He soon ran out of money and found himself bar tending in a South African safari resort. He moved up the ranks to a safari guide in Botswana where he stayed for the next seven years running a camp and taking daily jeep rides with tourists from around the world out into the bush.

Allison knew nothing about animals of Africa when he started. Much of the charm of the book is Allison's self-deprecating English humor as he makes mistake after mistake. His amateurism is a parody of the serious African adventurer; yet paradoxically his amateurism gives his account a sense of authority, we are able to see his wayward mistakes as a sign of his own expertise. Amateurism also provides Allison with a form of self-protection from the dangers of the bush; like a Mr Magoo stumbling into bad situations, it is his recognition of bad decisions that enable him to escape (unlike a "professional" who might not be as flexible in admitting a mistake).

_Whatever You Do, Don't Run_ is written in the travel literature tradition of the wayward English gentleman bumbling through situations with campy humor, similar to A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush. The idea is to de-throne the serious, to present a comic vision of the safari world that promotes harmless entertainment; but this also has the effect of disengagement and detachment - the safari guests from Germany, Japan and elsewhere become props to hang global stereotypes or moral outrages. It also serves as cover for Allison - behind the facade of wry humor and aestheticism is a sense of moral and cultural superiority; the self parody hides his own role and responsibility.

Wild adventures beat classroom any day, April 21, 2010
Whatever you do, don't run was one of the funniest books I have read in a while. Being a high school student, I never would have suspected that a book about lions and warthogs would have interested me, but less than 50 pages into the book I was hooked. From thereafter, I decided that one day I too would find myself on a Botswana safari.

My favorite aspect of the book was the author's encounters with such extraordinary animals I have seen only from behind zoo fences. He was able to see them in their natural environment. He saw animals hunting, sleeping, and even witnessed a live elephant birth. Also, he knew how to throw in bits of creative humor, mostly about how his and his friends' quest for masculinity related equally to a male elephant taking down a tree, or two lion tribes fighting over a lioness. His descriptions kept me laughing page after page.

The book has received only 2 low ratings. I can understand the perspective of one reviewer who gave the book 2 stars. The reviewer felt the author portrayed his customers as rude and unappreciative. They felt it made fun of the customers too much, and needed to focus more on the animals. I agree, he did write about some obnoxious customers, but remember; the goal here is to sell books. Would you sit there reading a book that states what wonderful people he guided? Or instead, one about losing a drunk member of the British Royal family, or a Japanese tourist who gives stage directions to animals so he can take great pictures. Now that's more like it! Also, the other low reviewer wanted more detail from the book, when her review was barely 2 sentences. Enough said.

So, if you crave a little adventure or want to experience beauty and a little wild wilderness from the comfort of home, Whatever you do, don't run is the perfect choice to lead your safari.

I want more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, November 9, 2007
I really didn't want this book to end! And I would love to read more!!! As a past visitor to Botswana, this collection of stories gave a delightful look at the behind the scenes, everyday life of the folks who make tourist visits so delightful! Kudos to the author....it's light, fun reading and I want more!!!!

Be Prepared to Laugh Out Loud, April 21, 2010
If you look above, yes, Amazon says, "Whatever you do; don't run" is a non-fiction (or at least it should). But I guarantee, it's nothing like one's average fact-filled, information-overload type of non-fiction. Rather, it's a series of short stories with absolutely no plot that goes through the whole book. And guess what? It doesn't need any, for each chapter, a.k.a. short story, is hilariously entertaining standing on its own.

The whole idea of this delightful book is that the author, Peter Allison, needed a job in Africa when he was 19 so he could pay for a ticket back to Australia, his original country. It was a while ago, about 16 years, so in the year 1994. Since then to present I should hope that Peter has found a job as a safari guide in South Africa, eventually moving to Botswana. He has faced dangers such as charging lions and elephants and encountered animals that most of us will never see. The tourists he guided were the basic stereotypes of whatever country they were from, but that just made it all the more funny. His book isn't just words though; it has photographs! They make the story come alive even more. The funny thing about the background was that Peter only planned to stay in Africa a year; that obviously got stretched out.

It was a rather quick read even though I was supposed to annotate it, but I got lost in it, and finished it all in one sitting. "Whatever you do; don't run" is good for a summer's day, where one can just let your mind wander to the brush of Africa. Just make sure one has the time because some parts I had to reread and the rest I wanted to appreciate. I agree with other reviews, though, it made me laugh out loud or at the least smile and chuckle. Even just thinking of it makes me smile. It leaves the reader feeling refreshed. And if the reader's still unsatisfied with just this, Peter Allison wrote another book about the African brush, "Don't Look Behind You!" which I can't wait to start on. But this book isn't all entertainment. Allison provides some information on the animals he shows, so "Whatever you do; don't run" would do well for any traveler who plans on going to Africa. I gave it 5 stars, but of the 70 reviews that include mine, only 2 were 2 stars. They are the minority of the reviews, but in case you are too, I'd read their reviews. One of them said that the author made it seem that the tourists were bad, or at least carried an unpleasant attitude. If you look through the book, the chapters that are specifically about the costumers are relatively few in number. He probably had thousands of other tourists that he said nothing about; it only was those few he showed a negative attitude toward. I'd recommend this scrumptious dessert of a book, consisting of a meager 264 pages, to anyone. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Editorial Review

500 Places to Take Your Kids allows parents, grandparents, and kids to create a lifetime of shared memories while visiting destinations the whole family can enjoy. Here are cities, zoos, sports shrines, museums, castles, beaches, outdoor activities, and more—500 thoughtfully-chosen places that will enchant and beguile both the young and the young at heart.

Each entry contains all the information families need to help plan a trip: age ratings, service details, and nearby kid-friendly hotels. A Specialty Index organized by type of trip helps families discover places and activities for all ages and interests, while a Geographical Index allows families to locate attractions across the world or simply across town. Photos throughout the book help bring destinations to life.

Free companion podcast is available for download! ... Read more

Reviews

Interesting but Unrealistic, August 17, 2006
I had high expectations for this book but they fell flat. First, the layout is o.k. but not great. Areas are grouped by categories such as "Out and About" and "On the Water." As the book covers the world, I think it might have been better to be laid out geographically and maybe cross-referenced. As for the selections, they are very diverse. Some make sense but some I really don't feel are appropraite for children, except for maybe the very well travelled child. For example, number 397 is Mount Fuji: Scaling the Symbol of Japan. The age range is 8 and up. The author writes, "Take a shortcut directly to Kawaguchiko's Fifth Stage by bus from Shinjuku Station (be sure to book in advance); the trip takes about 2 1/2 hours. From this starting point it's about a 6 hour climb to the summit, with another 3 hours to make the descent; at the top, a 1-hour hiking trail circles the crater. The highlight of the classic Fuji Climb is to watch the sunrise from the peak, which in summer means being there by 4:30 am." I was hoping for more "kid friendly" suggestions. I don't think I'll be visiting number 280 "Hiroshima: The Original Ground Zero" or number 277 "The D-Day Beaches of Normandy" with my son anytime soon. Perhaps the child that is a huge history buff would understand the significance.

The positives are that the author provides good detail for each area with tips and tricks, good hotel, airport and contact information, and age ranges. There are some very unique groupings which make for an interesting read.

The negatives are that is it is an unrealistic travel guide for the average family, the "Why They'll Thank You" is weak, and it still didn't help me decide what to do next summer!

Aspirational list, January 31, 2007
I'm surprised by the number of negative reviews of this book so I thought I would offer my own counterpoint. This is the best list I've found of aspirational places to take children. The only comparable list book I've found is the ever-popular 1000 Places to See Before You Die, which isn't oriented around kids at all. Of course they will all want to go to Disney World, but this is a different type of list. These are places that kids should visit to understand more about the world, how people behave, how science works, and what life is like for people who aren't always like themselves. It is not a list of fun places to take little kids.

We've been lucky enough to have visited 97 of the places with our kids, now aged 15 and 20. It's been a blessing to us to be able to visit places like Thailand, which is wonderful, and the Great Barrier Reef and indeed Mount Fuji and Hiroshima. People in Japan take many kids ages 8 to 10 to the muesum at Hiroshima; it's a fantastically well done museum about a topic that every kid--and adult--should understand. The only one of the places that really didn't give us much of a thrill was Agate Fossil Beds in Nebraska. My guess is that the authors HAD to pick something in Nebraska. We just used the book to pick #97 which was the Spy Museum in Washington DC -- a great spot we hadn't heard of.

The only reason I don't give this book 5 stars is that it really could benefit from a geographical cross-reference. Many items do offer a list of items nearby which is helpful.

So maybe it is easier to take kids to Disney World, but think about these places too. A terrific book to think about for a lifetime of travel with your family.

A fairly useless book, January 11, 2007
Wow, was I disappointed when I cracked this book open. My two main complaints are layout and site selections. I cannot believe that sites are grouped by general similarity rather than geography. The geographical index at the back of the book just does not satisfy me. Any book like this should be organized from a geographical standpoint in my opinion. You will be required to look at the geographical index at the back of the book to find anything specific. I was hoping the book focused on the US or let's be wild and say North America. While I did not count them up, I would guesstimate that almost half of the sites are outside of North America. You would have to be extremely wealthy to visit many of these places and a fair number really are not place where I would want to take "kids" as they would only appeal to high school age or above. There are better books out there - in this case the Internet would serve you better.

I find nothing wrong with this book, November 30, 2007
I put off the purchase of the book based on the other reviews. I purchased a fodors family travel book instead. I hated that book so I decided to go back with my gut instinct and purchased this one. I gave it five stars because I thought the other reviews were harsh and unjust. I don't feel the sections need to be in any particular order. Start at page one and read. Mark or just take note of the destinations that interest you. I don't think the destinations are unrealistic. If disney or a caribbean cruise is your idea of the ultimate family vacation then this is not the book for you. I don't say this offend anyone it is just that you may need to consider a different book for your needs. I do plan to take my kids to Asia, Africa, South America and so forth. You need not be wealthy to do so.

Not EXACLY what I had hoped for, October 8, 2006
I had really hoped for more realistic ideas to go on vacation with my three children, one elementary age, preschooler, and toddler. I expected the book to leave out ideas for my toddler, but was surprised to see a lot of the suggestions left out my preschooler as well.
The books layout could have been better, by placing vacations spots by location, rather than 'Weird & Wonderful' or 'Windows on History'. I guess Frommer's makes up for this with the geographical index at the end of the book.
It seemed the book could have been condensed a little, like instead of listing Chicago's museums seperatly in different catagories, just list the city then list the must see museums and zoo.
Some of the suggestions were just silly. I'm probably not taking my kids to Cambodia, Guatemala, or Thailand. (unless we had relatives there) And they left out Disney World. Everyone wants to take their kids to Disney World before they grow up!
There were some good suggestions, but not as many that we can afford that i thought there would be.

Better than they say, April 5, 2007
Other reviewers have really given this book a bum rap. True, the layout is a bit confusing--a better world map, along with appropriate cross-references by geographic location, would have been helpful--but it is filled with quite a lot of useful and realistic travel destinations.

Your child may not be up to visiting Mount Fuji or the D-Day beaches. Then again, maybe she or he will! I took my child to Verdun (recommended in this book) at age six, and the stark cost and meaning of modern war has stayed with him. Personally, I think the author deserves kudos for urging parents to aim high--to destinations that have genuine cultural and educational value--rather than just spouting the putrid Disneyworld-type destinations that far too many families consider to be appropriate family travel.

That said, unlike Patricia Schultz's 1,000 Places to See Before You Die (which reviewers, for some arcane reason, seem to love), the destinations recommended in this book are almost all within the normal financial range of the average middle-class family. Moreover, for those with less adventurous tastes, it contains plenty of museums and other mainstream kid-friendly destinations. For family travel off the beaten track, I highly recommend this book.

generic travel book, February 21, 2007
I was disappointed in this book. I did not get the feeling that the author had been to many of these locations. I have traveled exstensively with my children, and prior to being a parent. I was not very inspired with the generalities of the authors comments.

disappointed, April 21, 2007
I have twin 5-year olds and we travel every chance we get, from local treats, National Parks, and campouts, to the Smithsonian, old forts, and amusement parks, but I found it hard to take this book seriously when Disney World is actually not one of the 500 places to take your kids before they grow up but the Museo del in Prado in Spain is (recommended for ages 6 and over...having been there, the 7,000 paintings, although lovely, will not hold the attention of a 6-year old...unless he was born in a leap year). You can add the Louvre, or Borobudur, or the Huntington Library for that matter. I have been to 212 of the places in this book -- many of them worth mentioning for older people. I am a fan of educational trips and stops, but a little fun is also necessary for the young ones, and this book makes it near impossible to actually plan a trip that drifts along from the locations in this book. And really, Disney is the happiest place on Earth (I swear I don't work for them....but ask your kid -- Disney or the Hermitage?)

Great ideas for adventures near and far, September 7, 2008
I was excited to get this book a year ago and spent many delighted hours thumbing through it. We've gone to probably just shy of 25 of the places listed (all in the U.S). The kids have had the best time. There is a geographical index in the back that list the places by state or country location which is helpful. We've grouped together several listed activities into one trip. If you have an adventurous spirit, I think you'll love this book. This isn't the only travel book you'll ever need,either. While there is some very basic information on where to fly into and where to stay, it isn't enough to get by on. I think this book should be thought of more as an idea book rather than a travel guide.

Could have been done better, January 27, 2007
While this book is packed with information, it isn't laid out in a way that is of any practical use. As others have mentioned, the expectations of children and what they are able to handle are unrealistic. My 8 year old will not climb a mountain for 6 hours at a steep grade only to enter into below-freezing wind chill temperatures and wait for a sunrise. A three year old truly is not fun on a 16 hour bus trip, no matter how "family friendly" the company running it is. Also, the book does not explain WHY I should take my child to each place. When I saw the book, I assumed Frommers had an extensive decision-making process where only the top 500 would be listed. Having read the book, it feels more like they had a dartboard and took 500 shots. About 70% of the places were destinations only history-minded adults would appreciate. I had my teenager and his friends thumb through the book and the concensus was that most items were not of any interest to them. Lastly, to not organize the items geographically was a huge mistake. This is one book that needs to be rewritten by people with children and families in mind. ... Read more

Editorial Review

For expert advice, inspirational tips and exciting itineraries, Lonely Planet is your essential Italy companion. Whether you want to hunt for truffles in Umbria, walk ancient roads in Rome or simply admire priceless art and architecture, this 9th edition shows you how to unearth the very best experiences.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide:

Full-Color architecture, food and activities chapters
User-friendly glossaries give you a Who's Who of artists, emporers and saints
Top Tips on sustainable travel choices and the very best agriturismi (farmstays)
... Read more

Reviews

You're Going To Love Italy!, July 6, 2005
I've been to Italy several times.....Rome, Venice, Florence, Bologna, Milan, some of the hill towns, etc (most recently last April). Here are my reviews of the best guides to meet your exact needs.....I hope these are helpful and that you have a great visit! I always gauge the quality of my visit by how much I remember a year later......this review is designed to help you get the guide that will be sure YOU remember your trip many years into the future. Travel Safe and enjoy yourself to the max!

Rick Steves' books are not recommended. They may be an interesting read but their helpfulness is very poor. They don't do well on updates, transportation details, or anything but the first-time-tourist routine and even that is somewhat superficial on anything but the mega-major sites.

Frommer's
These are time tested guides that pride themselves on being updated annually. Although I think the guides below provide information that is in more depth or more concise (depending on what the guide is known for), if your main concern is that the guide has very little old or outdated information, then this would be a good guide for you.

Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet has City and Out To Eat Guides. They are all about the experience so they focus on doing, being, getting there, and this means they have the best detailed information, including both inexpensive and really spectacular restaurants and hotels, out-of-the-way places, weird things to see and do, the list is endless.

Blue Guides
Without doubt, the best of the walks guides.... the Blue Guide has been around since 1918 and has extremely well designed walks with lots of unique little side stops to hit on just about any interest you have. If you want to pick up the feel of the city, this is the best book to do that for you. This is one that you end up packing on your 10th trip, by which time it is well worn.

MapGuide
MapGuide is very easy to use and has the best location information for hotels, tourist attractions, museums, churches etc. that they manage to keep fairly up to date. It's great for teaching you how to use the public transportation system. The text sections are quick overviews, not reviews, but the strong suite here is brevity, not depth. I strongly recommend this for your first few times learning your way around the classic tourist sites and experiences. MapGuide is excellent as long as you are staying pretty much in the center of the city.

Time Out
The Time Out guides are very good. Easy reading, short reviews of restaurants, hotels, and other sites, with good public transport maps that go beyond the city centre. Many people who buy more than one guidebook end up liking this one best!

Let's Go
Let's Go is a great guide series that specializes in the niche interest details that turn a trip into a great and memorable experience. Started by and for college students, these guides are famous for the details provided by people who used the book the previous year. They continue to focus on providing a great experience inexpensively. If you want to know about the top restaurants, this is not for you (use Fodor's or Michelin). Let's Go does have a bewildering array of different guides though. Here's which is what:
Budget Guide is the main guide with incredibly detailed information and reviews on everything you can think of.
City Guide is just as intense but restricted to the single city.
PocketGuide is even smaller and features condensed information
MapGuide's are very good maps with public transportation and some other information (like museum hours, etc.)

Michelin
Famous for their quality reviews, the Red Michelin Guides are for hotels & Restaurants, the Green Michelin Guides are for main tourist destinations. However, the English language Green guide is the one most people use and it has now been supplemented with hotel and restaurant information. These are the serious review guides as the famous Michelin ratings are issued via these books.

Fodor's
Fodor's is the best selling guide among Americans. They have a bewildering array of different guides. Here's which is what:
The Gold Guide is the main book with good reviews of everything and lots of tours, walks, and just about everything else you could think of. It's not called the Gold guide for nothing though....it assumes you have money and are willing to spend it.
SeeIt! is a concise guide that extracts the most popular items from the Gold Guide
PocketGuide is designed for a quick first visit
UpCLOSE for independent travel that is cheap and well thought out
CityPack is a plastic pocket map with some guide information
Exploring is for cultural interests, lots of photos and designed to supplement the Gold guide

Bravo! Excellent tour guide and easy to use, May 3, 2000
I just returned from a wonderful vacation trough Italy visiting Roma, Pisa, Firenze, Venezia, Siena, and Orvieto. The Lonely Planet Italy guide provided very useful information such as history, places to stay and eat, and other up to date pertinent information on each of these places (and more).

The Lonely Planet Italy guide is medium sized and is not heavy. It fits easily on a hand bag. This book is easy to use and understand. It is organized by region, and then by town. Each regional map highlights the most important tourist attractions.

The first two chapters: Facts about Italy and Facts for the Visitors; cover Italian culture, history, and local customs, and many valuable hints for the traveller. Reading this two chapters before leaving help us to prepare and plan our trip.

This book enhanced our travel experience 100%!

Lonely planet forever, January 9, 2001
I studied for 3 months in Rome in 1999. The 3rd edition of the Italy guide was the defacto bible for travel from Sicilia to the Dolomites. Of course Venice, Florence, Pisa and Rome are covered, but how about Cortona, Siena, Poggibonisi, Assizi, Orvieto, Enna, Catania, Vulcanis, Bari, Lecce, Positano, Siracusa? How to get there, what to see, what to expect in these hill towns and costal villages? If I got there could I get back to Rome by Monday's morning classes? No other single travel book is filled with all the information found in the Italy guide.

As an example, one weekend I told my roomates that I wanted to go to San Marino because according to the guide I could get my passport stamped with entry to a country within a country. Also it mentioned "spactacular views". Nothing prepared us for what we saw, a fortress castle hewn into the 2000+ ft cliffs and a city in the clouds overlooking a vast plain of farms and towns!

Better books are available, November 12, 2003
We visited about eleven cities in northern and central Italy and we carried both the Lonely Planet Italy and the Rough Guide Italy with us. I had the Rough Guide Italy and had no problems looking up information. My companion had the Lonely Planet Italy and she eventually gave up on it. She found the LP to be lacking in basic information and basically a book better left at home. We would recommend the Rough Guide instead.

Still the best, April 27, 2001
I traveled in Italy from Feb 3 to April 5, 2001 and I took both this book, LP, and Let's Go Italy (LG). LG gets the nod for layout. It's very clear and user friendly. You can find what you are looking for quickly. LP's double column layout is densely packed with information but is often confusing. In LG, at the beginning of the treatment of a new place, they tell you how to get there and away to and from all of the likely places. They tell you how many trains and buses there are. This feature was very helpful in planning my itinerary. Just ask fellow travellers where they've been that was good and LG tells you how to get there. LP on the other hand buries transportation info at the back of each place and it is often skeletal or misleading. The writing style I found to be very uninspired, so much so that I suspect that the author didn't bother to go to many of the places. That would account for why their street directions are so poor, but I didn't think much of LG.s either. (I have to admit that I'm not as good as some at figuring out the streets of a new town.) Lp often ignores seasonal changes in timetables too. If your travelling in winter, you're out of luck. However, I got tired of the LG writing style. Whereas LP gives you the historical facts about a place, LG's Harvard University student writers would rather be cute than accurate. Also, LP simply covers more places than LG. Another plus for LP is that in the opening secton of the book they give extensive info about how the country works. Post offices, police attitudes, etc. LP tells you in chich places you should keep your credit cards, passport, etc. in your trousers while LG's introductory section is a little paranoid. For example, "Don't ever tell anyone you are travelling alone." Geez you guys, Italy is safer than Boston. While LG gives more youth hostel info, because it is more budget oriented than LP, LG's impressionable writers gush about every hotel they stayed in. Any room with a window has a spectacular view. One more thing - if you are traveling by car, you need LP. LG gives no street or parking info. In conclusion, LG is better for itinerary planning and is easier to read, while LP's 800+ pages simply give you more information, although it is harder to sift through. After about 6 weeks, I gave away LG and used LP. My pack was getting heavy.

Love it Cheap, July 11, 1998
Lonely Planet Italy (3rd Edition) is definitely the book to get for a tight budget tour of Italy. I went on a round trip tour, starting from Milan, to Verona, Venice, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Pisa, Beaches on the West Coast and back Milan, simply based on the book.

Editorial Review

Before The Perfect Storm, before In the Heart of the Sea, Steven Callahan"s dramatic tale of survival at sea was on the New York Times bestseller list for more than thirty-six weeks. In some ways the model for the new wave of adventure books, Adrift is an undeniable seafaring classic, a riveting firsthand account by the only man known to have survived more than a month alone at sea, fighting for his life in an inflatable raft after his small sloop capsized only six days out. "Utterly absorbing" (Newsweek), Adrift is a must-have for any adventure library. ... Read more

Reviews

A revealing odyssey, May 13, 2007
This is the fascinating story of a resourceful sailor who drifted in a life raft across the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike other adventurers who have chronicled solo transoceanic journeys (Joshua Slocum, Thor Heyerdahl, Alain Bombard, William Willis, etc.), his journey was unplanned. After the sudden sinking of his sailboat, he had to hurriedly abandon ship into an inflatable life raft with whatever supplies he could snatch. His seventy-six day ordeal takes place in this constantly leaking raft too small to accommodate his full body length. He knows from the outset that his food and water supplies are inadequate. His story of survival thus becomes not one of simple endurance, but a confrontation of many external and internal challenges ranging from securing food and water to dealing with isolation and despair. He meets these with remarkable ingenuity and determination. Forced into introspection that borders on the mystical at times, his reflections on how his mindset and personal characteristics responded to these challenges make for as fascinating an inner journey as the one his body endured. This is what separates this from most adventure stories, and why I think it will endure as a classic of the genre.

A Truly Scary Tale At Sea, July 14, 2003
Steven Callahan is a blessed man. This true story is one of the most harrowing accounts of survival in a truly hopeless situation. He capsizes in minutes in the middle of the night with a raft and not much more. Nobody knows he's missing. No one is looking for him.

Told with desperation and some much needed occasional humor, Callahan paints a story so real and frought with fear that you can read it in one sitting. It is difficult to imagine what one would do in a similiar situation and the very thought of it is spine tingling.

This is a tale for every person who ever took to the water and every adventurer who feels safe in thier environment. You will never take the ocean for granted again after reading this book.

A great survival book!, August 27, 2003
This book is an excellent ocean survival story that kept me throughly entertained from start to finish. Honestly I couldn't put the book down. This book will change the way you look at your life. After you finish reading it, you won't take the simple things in life for granted anymore. If you enjoy true life adventure and survival books, then I suggest you read this one, it's excellent.

A Learning Experience, November 6, 2005
Nothing like the experience of others to teach you what you don't know. Steve Callahan graciously allowed readers into his most private thoughts during his worst moments. I learned things I didn't know about sea survival, and I teach sea survival. Like so many other stories about people that survive against ridiculous odds and in the face of extreme discomfort and lonliness, Callahan's story reveals that most of us have never gone through anything. My worst day ever was better than steves best in his raft.

If nothing else, Steve's story will put another nagging voice in your head whenever you feel the need to complain. Compared with his experience; I've never been hungry, or tired or thirsty, or lonely, or the least but uncomfortable in my life.

Astounding, March 12, 2006
Adrift was a great book. The way that the author describes what he goes through and the way that he interprets how he survives being stranded at sea for 76 days. This is an epic novel that catches the reader's attention within the first few pages. He starts off telling a story about a race that he's entered himself into with his sailboat. Then he tells you about how they are going to start the race even though a huge storm is approaching. With this in your head you can stop reading the book. He puts into detail exactly what you want to hear in an adventure novel. He makes you feel like you were out on the raft with him while he was stranded at sea. He makes it so that when he fights the shark for the first time that your there. You want to try to help him but you cant because you're only reading a book but you wish that none of this had happened to him because it's just so horrible. So if you wanted to read an adventure book with an edge of excitement throughout the book then I would recommend this book to anybody willing to read it.

An excellent book., March 19, 2007
Adrift is the story of Steven Callahan who built and sailed "Napoleon Solo" across the Atlantic one and one half times. Attempting to sail in the `Mini Transat' race, Callahan's boat is sunk and he get out with little other than a safety raft and a small collection of supplies. Callahan survives for seventy six days alone to land in Guadeloupe with few injuries and in relative good health.

There are few weaknesses to this book and you are left hoping selfishly that his journey had been over one hundred days so that you could read more. I was left amazed by Callahan's patience, intelligence, fortitude, and ability to adapt to his surroundings. This is a book where you hope you would do like the author did - but doubting your ability. Certainly the best book I have read in the genre.

Man:1 Nature:0, February 20, 2003
Steven Callahan's "Adrift" is an exciting and intellectually deep tale of one man's survival. When bad weather arises, a storm turns Steven's sailboat upside down. Watching his dreams go under, Steven readies himself and few supplies onto an inflatable life-raft, and prepares for a journey that will change his life forever. Fighting off dehydration, starvation, and even sharks, Callahan struggles to stay alive, and finds new meaning to what being "alive" really means. Seventy-six days pass, as well as many ships that miss him, before the author finds his place in nature, and ultimately, the key to survival. "Amazing" is an understatement to Callahan's writing. Whether you're a sailor, fisherman, or any other outdoorsman, this is the book for you!

Excellent Book, December 28, 2005
I thought the author did a great job. I liked his writing style and had a hard time putting the book down; I read it in two sittings. As a fellow ocean-voyaging sailor, I appreciated his detailed thoughts on equipement and procedures. While I was happy with the outcome (he lives), I thought the ending a little vague and found it somewhat unsatisfying. Still, I really enjoyed this book.

Don't miss this one!, January 5, 2005
I have read this book twice and plan to read it again. This well-written account brings the reader into the life raft for a reading experience like no other. It is educational, exciting, and insightful. I couldn't put it down once I started.

There are a few adventure books (i.e. Touching the Void and Into Thin Air) that cross boundaries and draw in all types of readers. This is certainly on of them.

Adrift review, March 21, 2007
If you like real life survival stories this will appeal to you. Seventy six days of survival and ingenuity - I found it interesting and inspiring as well as providing a unique perspective on civilized life from the point of view of suddenly having nothing. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Hang on to your pie plate—King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking will change the way every baker thinks about whole grains.Forget what you know about whole grain baking. Instead, envision light, flaky croissants; airy cakes; moist brownies; dreamy pie crusts; and scrumptious cookies—all made with whole grains. This is what you get in King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking, a revolutionary cookbook that breathes new life into breads, cakes, cookies, pastries, and more by transforming the dark and dense alchemy of whole grain baking into lively, flavorful, sweet, and savory treats of all types.

King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking is a book that only the bakers at King Arthur Flour could successfully complete, opening up the home baker's repertoire to new flours, new flavors, and new categories of whole grain baked goods. It spills over with helpful tips, how-to illustrations, sidebars on history and lore, and a friendly voice that says to readers, "Come into the kitchen with me and let's bake." Thousands of hours were spent testing these recipes, making sure that each one met their high standards. The final result is more than 400 delicious, inviting, and foolproof recipes that have earned a place in King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking—the next generation whole grain cookbook. 16 pages of full-color photographs and 125 black-and-white illustrations ... Read more

Reviews

If you only have one baking cookbook, this is the one!, December 11, 2006
After becoming vegetarian in 2003, I became much more conscious about adding whole grains to my diet, to the point of replacing white flour with whole grains whenever possible. In the past, baked goods with whole wheat and other grains were easily detectable as "health food." However, the talented kitchen staff at King Arthur has found ways to tone down whole wheat that pass as full-flavored, healthier counterparts of traditional favorites such as scones, pie crust, croissants, and other delectable goodies.

The book begins, appropriately enough, with breakfast (porridges, oatmeal, granolas, waffles, pancakes, French toast, muffins and scones). After a hearty foundation, quick breads, muffins, coffeecakes, biscuits and scones are explored, followed by crisps, cobblers and puddings, flatbreads and crackers, yeast breads, sourdough, cookies and bars, cakes, pie and quiche, pastry, and a guide to whole grains.

This is my first King Arthur cookbook, and I appreciate the fact that when they discuss kinds of flour to buy, they do not endlessly promote their own brand as the only choice (in fact, there are precious few mentions of King Arthur flours).

If I had to choose one baking book to have in my collection, it would be this one. The clear instructions and healthier updates of many classics are crowd-pleasers, and the cookbook itself is beautiful to look at. This is the perfect gift for your favorite (health-conscious) baker.

For Healthier Baking!, October 11, 2006
Many of us are familiar with King Arthur flours and baking advice and some even their previous two award winning cookbooks. What we didn't have from them until now was a baking cookbook using whole grains.

Many of us have laid off the baking goodies for health reasons, avoiding processed white flour and sugars, etc. Now with this tome we have what we need to get back baking!

Brownies, biscotti, cakes, pies, crackers, scones,breads, etc. There is what easily appears to be over 500 recipes on using whole grains in this things and many have advice on low fat alternatives. Helpful on each recipe is a complete nutritional breakdown. The sidebars are extremely helpful, e.g. "What's a Pinch?" specifically here of instant yeast. The line drawings are truly appreciated by those of us who dip in and out of the baking arena, so all this advice and user friendly aids in this cookbook are valued. There are around seven pages of color photos.

There is even advice on how to substitute whole grains for processed white flour, but with the caveat that likely after you've tried these recipes, you'll just seek this collection out for your baking needs. And it is extensive. So far I've sampled the Fresh Berry Tiramisu; Apple Brown Betty and several others with outstanding results. There is something here for everyone from crackers to sourdough, from cream puffs to cookies to croissants. It's a large volume which will require shelf space, but worth the investment for those who wish to still bake the goodies but desire the healthful benefits that whole grains provide.

Sources are listed, with King Arthur of course being the logical start with their extensive catalogue, however they do even provide internet suggests to find all kinds of other sources as well.

This is truly that genre of cookbook which isn't to be exhausted with recipe trying any too soon. That would require lots of baking regularly, but when one gets the hankering for those scrumptuous baked goods, this is the one that can deliver delicisous, conistent and healthly results.

Essential for your Baking Library, October 12, 2006
Like their New England neighbors at Cook's Illustrated, the King Arthur bakers are dedicated to testing and re-testing, and above all, technique. There's a good dose of baking science, too - this is a volume Alton Brown and Rose Levy Beranbaum must assuredly have acquired for their own libraries. The knowledge that both Cinnamon and Garlic can impair the rising process in breads is in itself worth the price of the book.

This tome has many marvelous illustrations which go a long way to instruct the reader. Sidebars abound with helpful (though sometimes quirky) information and tips. While whole wheat flour is the star, other whole grains are explored. You'll find encyclopedic history and data on Rye, Buckwheat, Kamut, Farro, Tritcale, Spelt, Barley, Amaranth, Teff, and others. King Arthur is big on the science and treatment of yeast, as well. Clear explanations are provided regarding the differences and applications among "Active-Dry", "Instant", and "Rapid-Rise" yeasts (no, "Instant" and Rapid-Rise" or "Quick-Rise" yeasts are NOT the same). The King Arthur bakers are also proponents of pre-ferments and they distinguish among the panoply of starters: Sponge, Poolish, Biga, and Levain (sourdough). Oddly, I couldn't find a discussion of the importance of an "autolyse" - an initial resting period just after the initial mixing of water and flour that gives the flour the time to hydrate. I couldn't even find the term in the "Index" - although it appears in KA's "Baker's Companion". Believe me - use of an autolyse can make a world of difference in the end result.

The design of the book is similar to KA's "Baker's Companion" and "Cookie Companion" (both worth owning). It's a big volume (more than 600 pages and 300 recipes) but not too heavy as the result of the intelligent use of paper stock. It's well-ordered, easy to read, and logical enough for a Vulcan.

A couple of caveats: By their own admission, the King Arthur bakers tell you that their recipes are most successful if you use their brand of flour - most of which have a higher protein level than other brands. Fear not - instructions are given for using other brands. Fortunately, most KA flours are now widely available in many major supermarkets. From personal experience, I can assure you that KA bread flours produce extraordinary results. The only other bread flours I use are Bob's Red Mill Dark Rye Flour, and Whole Wheat Flour - both of which are excellent, also widely available, and come in handy smaller sizes.

Second warning: some of the recipes suggest an overnight rest to soften the bran in the whole wheat flour. The Brownie recipe included in the book will taste slightly gritty without the benefit of the overnight rest - and when I want a Brownie, I want it today and I want it luscious, not coarse-textured.

One especially helpful tip is the addition of a small amount of orange juice suggested in the production of whole wheat bread made with traditional whole wheat flour. The orange juice counteracts the inherent bitter edge caused by the phenolic acid (similar to the astringent tannins in tea). A new alternative is to employ KA's "White Whole Wheat" flour which does not contain phenolic acid - but still contains all of the bran and germ - a true whole wheat product.

Having tried only one of the recipes in this book, I cannot attest to the others - but based on the success of KA's other cookbooks and their bi-monthly newsletter, "The Baking Sheet", one would have to assume reliable, if not stellar results - and healthier (though not necessarily lower in fat and calories) eating in the process.

If it's from King Arthur Flour it has to be good....., October 3, 2006
I couldn't wait to try a few recipes. I have the rest of the King Arthur Flour books and this one is the same style. Every recipe & procedure seems to be well tested. It explains the process of baking with whole grains and why to do certain things; i.e. how to deal with the problem of the "bitterness" of whole grains, also, how to deal with the "hardness" of the bran; etc. They list all items in the recipes in weights which helps me because I like to grind my own grains into flour.
Many of the recipes call for a mixture of whole grain flour to all-purpose or bread flour. What was a surprise for us was to try a 100% whole wheat pie crust. Their techniques worked and we all (kids included) loved the taste and texture of the pie crust. It is not the same as the flaky "white-flour" pie crust but not hard and chewy like other recipes I had tried. I like the idea of mixing the whole-grain flours and white flours because we have tried to be consistent in baking with 100% whole grain flours and we just don't keep doing it. We eventually switch back to the white flour because we tire of the "toughness" of whole grain foods. But because I have not wanted to abandon the effort to eat more whole grains I bought this book. I do not regret it. I would buy it again. There is much more than just breads, pies, & cakes; there are puddings, breakfasts, quiche, whole wheat genoise (that is really good) and even pastries! I appreciate the nutrition information for each recipe and also the many side-bar helps, hints and extra recipes (like syrups). There are not too many real life pictures but that is the same for the rest of the King Arthur books. The illustrations seem very adequate to me. My 10 year old seems to be able to follow them with no problem. We are not whole grain "purists" but we do like the balance presented in this book. My husband, who does not bake much, is overwhelmed by the presentation of the recipes. He says there are too many words to follow. These are not the simple 3 ingredient recipes with few instructions. These are recipes with lots of information. I could see how it could be overwhelming to someone who is not used to following recipes presented this way. I think it would be worth the effort to overcome that so one could add whole grains to their diet in a very tasty way. There is much to learn that would improve one's baking and cooking abilities. The King Arthur Flour books are what I use to teach my girls to bake. We have tried other whole-grain baking cookbooks, like Sue Gregg's, Beatrice Trum Hunter's, Marleeta Basey's & others' whole grain books; all pretty good. Even though, I keep going back to King Arthur's because of their easy to understand explanations of the "whys" and "hows" of baking and also the consistancy of their recipes. This means that for us we will keep using this book.

Better than the local bakery -- fresh and healthy from your own kitchen, January 18, 2007
I have owned this book two months, and I've made a slew of recipes from this book, all of them delicious!! In fact, I have a hot "Oat and Currant Scone," (I used the alternate raisins in place of currants) fresh from the oven, sitting by my elbow as I type. Absolutely delicious, every bit as good as something that would cost $2-$3 a wedge at a local bakery. And this recipe has given me 12 scone wedges.
This book is a treasure trove of recipes and baking advice. For instance -- I did not not know that the proper way to measure whole grain flour is to stir the flour first with a spoon, then fill your measuring cup by spoonfuls, shaken gently, so that the flour is light and your results aren't heavy. This is easy enough to do, and also fun!
The sections are:
p.1 Breakfasts (pancakes, waffles, crepes, granola)
p.31 Quick Breads, Muffins, Coffeecakes, Biscuits & Scones
p.99 Crisps, Cobblers & Puddings
p.127 Flatbreads & Crackers
p.171 Yeast Breads (all use instant yeast, not regular active)
p.271 Sourdough
p.303 Cookies & Bars
p.367 Cakes
p.439 Pie & Quiche
p.499 Pastry
p.537 The Whole Grains (history of grains with extra recipes)
p.583 Appendices (Cooking whole grains, ingredient weights, where to buy)
p.589 Glossary
p.599 Index
I've made from this book: Double Fudge Brownies, Spelt Pancakes (delicious!), Blueberry-Corn pancakes, Oat & Currant (raisin) Scones, Morning Glory Muffins, Corn and Oat Muffins, Apple-Walnut Coffecake (for Christmas morning for my coworkers at the hospital where I work, they all loved it! not a crumb left), Honey-Whole Wheat Biscuits, Chewy-Oatmeal cookies (I loved these best with dates as the dried fruit choice), Thin & Crisp Wheat Cookies, Cranberry-Cornmeal Cake (which my family adores with vanilla ice cream and has been dubbed "Pilgrim Cake"), as well as several others.

Yes, the book does use several different types of whole grains and whole grain flour, but isn't that the point? The main types of flours and grains are repeated frequently in the recipes. Whole Wheat flour can be found anywhere. Whole Wheat Pastry flour can be found in health food stores. The White Whole Wheat is available more and more in regular grocery stores, if you watch for it, as is oat flour. Cornmeal and Oatmeal can be found anywhere, as can Bread Flour, which is used in smaller portions in several recipes. Spelt flour, used in pancakes and other recipes, in an "ancient grain" that is an ancestor of our modern wheat, but it is lighter and sweeter than wheat and just delicious. I had never heard of it before. It has been fun to try new things. The folks at King Arthur Flour have sure outdone themselves with this book! I would have wasted tons of ingredients experimenting with other recipes, and not come up with recipes half as good. The recipes also use pure ingredients, such as real butter, real buttermilk, real fruit, etc, and the finished baked product reflects the quality ingredients that go into the baking.
I haven't yet tackled the sourdough section, since sourdough with whole grains is a little trickier apparently, but the step-by-step instructions look about as simple as any you'll find anywhere.
Anyway, if you're interested in healthful whole grain cooking that is absolutely mouth-wateringly delicious, and you're willing to search out a few whole grain products, I guarantee you'll love this book.
Another great selling point -- every recipe has nutritional breakdown listed, with calories, fiber, calcium, vitamins, etc.
There are almost no pictures, however, and I almost passed over this book since I don't tend to buy cookbooks without pictures. I'm glad I didn't let this stop me. The few 16 color pages of pictures are located in the center of the book. And yes, they all look delicious.
This is the best baking book I've ever purchased.

Great book!, October 12, 2006
I like to eat healthy and I love to bake! Until now, the two did not often go well together. I would substitute some flour for whole wheat, try fat alternatives, etc... with mixed results. No more! The first two nights I had this book I read it like a novel. There is so much good information and I wanted to see everything in it. I have since made 3 recipes: the easy whole-wheat bread, oatmeal cookies and peanut butter cookies and all came out great. I even substituted organic cane sugar for standard white sugar in the cookies (though I wouldn't risk that with breads) and they were fabulous.

This is not necessarily a low-fat or diet baking book - they even tell you that. However, most of their recipes end up being lower calorie and higher fiber (meaning healthier) than their traditional counterparts. If you want a great treat healthy enough to eat every day, you'll find it here. If you want a breakfast or desert showstopper, you'll find it here too. No matter what you make, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that it is better than eating the same thing made with standard white flour.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to bake and wants to incorporate more whole grains into their diet.

Whole grain baking for everyone, October 22, 2006
This cookbook is simply wonderful. It's a big fat beautiful book that's a pelasure to read and use. The recipes are all whole grain, some also contain unbleached white flour, but most are entirely whole grain. This is written by the King Arthur Flour folks so they do recommend their flours which are readily avaiable. I've made two recipes-honey whole wheat bread which was sweet and delicious, and oatmeal cookies, also delicious. The recipes are not necessarily low calorie, the cookies call for real butter, but if you love to bake this is a healthy way to go. I'm an experienced baker and this book has so much information about using whole grains that it's like a whole new world of baking is opening up to me. I use the King Arthur white whole wheat flour with excellent results. Some recipes do have to rest overnight, but they are clearly marked. I can't wait to make all the bread recipes including those that use a whole wheat levain. This is a must for anyone who loves to bake and wants to get more whole grains into their diet.

Great ideas for incorporating more whole grains into your diet, September 24, 2007
Looking for a book that could have been self-published by a vegan commune in 1972? Then skip right past this book.

This book is for people with a desire to eat "normal" tasting baked goods are concerned, not so much for those who are die-hard carob fans, not for those who eschew dairy, butter, eggs, sugar, sweeteners, or flavor, and definitely not for anyone looking for a macrobiotic cheesecake substitute. This book contains recipes for pancakes, croissants, coffee cakes, pie crusts, and so on, with an eye to making whole grain products tasty and palatable to the ordinary American palate. Many of the recipes capitalize on the yummy pairings of whole grains with things like spicy treats (e.g. carrot cake) and chocolate, which make the final product taste better than an all-white flour version. And yes, white flour is included in some recipes.

I have had good luck with the recipes, although some (such as the cornmeal waffles) are on the overly salted side, and I am glad that the authors include information and recipes on a variety of grains besides wheat. There is information on home milling but this is not required to use the book.

Some great recipes, some terrible ones, July 10, 2009
I've made a handful of recipes out of this book and so far, my results have been mixed. The sandwich breads have been wonderful, as were the blueberry corn pancakes; but the zucchini bread was bland and icky and the chewy oatmeal cookies were a disaster. It's still a worthwhile purchase (if just for blueberry corn pancakes), but I'm aggravated by recipe books that force the cook to waste time and ingredients. Also, as some reviewers have noted, the instructions in the yeast breads section are pretty sparse; it's things like "knead til smooth," with no time estimate and no further description. First-time bread makers could have big problems.

Go crazy with the whole grains!, June 20, 2007
The King Arthur Flour Company is employee-owned and operated, and it's far more than just a flour company. They offer many baking classes at their facilities, have an on-site bakery that's beyond compare as far as I'm concerned, and spend a great deal of time and effort perfecting recipes and techniques. One of the things I always loved about their catalog, in fact, was that it was clear from their item descriptions that they'd kitchen-tested and used every single item they recommended, and they often recommended uses for things that went beyond the obvious.

All of this effort has been expertly translated onto the printed page in their whole grain baking cookbook. It's a huge cookbook filled with hundreds of recipes for everything from pita bread to tortillas, scallion pancakes to muffins, multigrain pancake mix to yeasted breads of all kinds. Recipes go hand-in-hand with plenty of instructional content to help you make the most of unusual flours and grains-not just whole wheat, but everything from rye to spelt, buckwheat to barley.

Recipes come with plenty of handy notes to tell you what to expect and why the recipes were constructed in a given manner. They also come with nutritional information (including the number of grams of whole grains in a serving) as well as related bakers' tips. There are whole sections on how to make use of various grains-including wheat berries, cracked wheat, wheat flakes, wheat bran, and vital wheat gluten. The tips address not just how to achieve the physical results you want, but how to achieve the tastes you'll enjoy.

As for the recipes, how about a whole grain pancake mix that you freeze, then combine with buttermilk (or milk and plain yogurt) and an egg whenever you want pancakes? We have some in our freezer right now, and I can assure you it's as delicious as it is simple. One example of KAF's ingenuity is the use of a very small amount of orange juice in the pancake batters to help offset some of the taste that people tend not to like in whole wheat. If you're okay with the taste of whole wheat you can leave it out, but it's a great, simple technique if you need the help.

What about whole grain tortillas and pita breads? This is the first time we've made those particular flat breads for ourselves, and they were absolutely delicious, not to mention surprisingly easy.

KAF applies whole grains to everything, including pies, crumbles, turnovers, quiches, croissants, doughnuts, granola bars, cookies, scones, biscuits, sticky buns, bread pudding, and of course all manner of breads themselves: micro-brewery honey-wheat bread, walnut whole wheat bread, Irish porridge bread, hummus bread, golden malted wheat bread, and on and on. Everything we've made from this book has come out perfectly, and that isn't an exaggeration. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Reviews

Great Travel Guide, November 14, 2010
I had heard of Rick Steves' only a little bit before I decided to purchase this book and I'm SO glad I did. He has great tips for almost all of Europe. I am going on a study abroad trip to multiple cities and countries so knowing some about each one is great! The only thing that wasn't included in this was some of the more Scandinavian countries such as the Denmark and Sweden, also places I'll be traveling too but won't have as much information from this book. Otherwise wonderful help and I can't wait to be in Europe to use it more! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A worthwhile companion to "No Reservations", November 10, 2007
I too thought that this book would be more in the vein of Anthony Bourdain's written works such as Kitchen Confidential etc, but it really is a companion edition to his Travel Channel show No Reservations. Think of it as a kind of scrapbook containing lots of pictures of the places Tony and his crew have travelled to, covering aspects of how the show was put together, and witty captions for the pictures. Bourdain's acerbic wit is reflected here, and I only wished there was more of it.

All in all, a worthwhile addition for fans of No Reservations, but if you're mainly a fan of his written works, then you may want to give this one a miss.

In the unknown and unusual with Anthony Bourdain and his crew, October 30, 2007
I've been discovering that the more I learn about food and travel, the more I want to learn about it. Somehow, there is a part of my brain that just clicks into action when I get the opportunity to do either, and preferably, both at the same time. So when I hear, and better yet get my hands on, anything new by ranconteur and outlaw, Anthony Bourdain, everything gets tossed aside until I can indulge in his latest adventures.

No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach, is his latest accounting of the strange and wonderful in the world around us. At first I thought it was going to be just another version of his splendid series of the same name on the Travel Channel. Happily, I was going to be surprised.

This time, we are treated to an opulently illustrated and photographed look at Bourdain as he wends his way through five continents and many countries. Some of the places he went to would prove to surprise him, and full of colour and vibrancy, others were the last stop before hell, and one in particular would shake him up. Each place is accompanied by a short essay and captioned pictures, and while he doesn't mention everywhere he's been in the series so far, what he does include has a point to it.

In addition to these travelouges, the reader gets to meet the hardworking and at times, suffering crew, that is with Bourdain on his crazed travels. Too, there are insights as to what is going on behind the scenes -- as when the episode is going rotten and there's nothing to stop it. Such as Iceland and Sweden, which are, bluntly, boring as hell and not much to do there besides get blasted out of one's skull. Or Namibia, one of the most awful places on Earth.

To balance that, there's Japan, China, India, Vietnam -- Bourdain has clearly 'gone bamboo' as they say, and fallen head over heels for parts of Asia, and I suspect will be spending more of his time there. It's in these chapters that he waxes lyrical and his prose takes on a nearly poetic quality.

And then, there is the section on Beruit.

If you read just one section of the book, read this one. Arriving on the eve of renewed Israeli bombing, Bourdain and his crew find themselves thrust suddenly into a war zone, and they might not get out. If you've seen this particular episode, you know what I'm talking about. Bourdain has some of his strongest writing here, and he gets damn good with it, capturing the uncertainty, the confusion, and most of all the regret that two days has in it. This chapter alone is worth the price of the book.

Then there is a lighter side to things to balance those dozen or so pages. Those who travel will find one section on bathrooms -- the best (Japan), and the worst (Uzbekistan) -- that is downright riotous. How to pack for a trip, and what is vital for survival -- hint: Imodium, an iPod, and aspirin are a necessity. How to find your way to the real food. How not to be an Ugly American.

Most of all, Bourdain shows his respect for the ordinary people here, in all of their many ways and thoughts. He might be profane in how he says it, and he won't be shy in telling you exactly how he thinks, but it's great fun along the way. He's got a wicked wit, an attitude that would shame the devil, and underneath -- he's in touch with his own humanity and fraility. It's refreshing to read in our world of craziness, where most celebrities hide behind a cosmetic mask and try to be perfect. Bourdain on the other hand, is brutally honest, and in the end, that's why I admire him. He's not putting on a con or an act, he's a traveller, and that's what makes him worth reading.

So settle in with your favorite drink of choice, forward your call for a few hours, and enjoy. No Reservations is a perfect little passport and snapshot of the more unknown parts of the world, heavily spiced with reality, and dished up with plenty of brazeness to give it all a bittersweet tang. Most of all, maybe you too will find a few places in here that you want to try for yourself in the future.

It's a big wide beautiful world out there, and Bourdain is the best of traveling partners. Five enthusiastic stars, and if Mr. Bourdain ever reads this, I for one hope that he will keep on writing.

Fair coffee table book., November 21, 2007
As a big fan of Anthony Bourdain's writing, in particular of A Cook's Tour, I thought I'd check this book out. First thing I noticed, it's mostly pictures. Nice pictures in general, some of them are pretty creative, but for the most part it's just pictures of the food show traveling around the world. Got to give them props for going everywhere, it looks like they hit every continent except Antartica. They did some impressive travelling.

However, this isn't A Cook's Tour, where the author's impressions of the food and the country are foremost. Here, it's several pages of pictures of food and scenery, Iceland for example, and maybe half a page noting that Iceland can be a dull place. Think National Geographic with more pictures, fewer words and less insight.

(Note to author - We get it aleady, you don't like Rachel Ray. Geez.)

Disappointing, December 26, 2007
I read Bourdain for his `in your face' humor and poignant insight. Although this book did have all the Bourdainisms I love so much, it was incredibly short on prose. I wanted to read Bourdain, not see him.

Obligatory companion to the TV show., November 2, 2007
If you're a fan of Anthony Bourdain's previous books, (Kitchen Confidential, A Cook's Tour, and The Nasty Bits) you may be disappointed in this recent release. It is more of a companion to his Travel Channel series, "No Reservations," than it is another chapter in his chronicle of food around the world. More picturesque than anything, the book does provide first-hand insight into the production of the show, including the Beirut episode. But for fans who have read his previous works, you'll find most of the same stories and locations here. That said, it is still worth adding to your collection, but only as a supplement instead of a featured title.

Probably a contract fulfillment., November 25, 2007
Lots of nice pictures but little commentary; this is not as disappointing as the fact that the scant commentary is trite and lacking in insight. You might consider ordering Mr. Bourdain's earlier books instead, if you haven't already read them; they'll give you a much better idea of his talent and skill.

Nice pictures, nothing new, December 28, 2007
A nice coffee table book. Lovely photos accompany small bits of text describing the locations visited in the creation of No Reservations. If you've seen the show, there will be little new information in this book. Some places move the author to describe behind-scenes activity, to give background information, or to share his frank opinion of the experience or locale. Mostly, the pictures tell the story. If you like picture books, you'll like this book. If you prefer to actually read a book for its content, you'll want to choose another.

Only a picture book, February 18, 2008
I should have perused this in more detail at the bookstore, but alas I got too excited to see another book by Mr. Bourdain. I finally looked at it this weekend and much to my disdain it is primarily pictures. Nice pictures, but only pictures nonetheless. There is some minor text but not enough. I was hoping to find out more back stories about what happened, biting commentary (related to the episode not FoddTV "chefs")maybe lists of places from the show, recommendations of restaurants to eat at, etc.

I am a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain and of No Reservations, this book just didn't cut it for me.

A "keeper" for fans of The Travel Channel Show ..., December 24, 2007
Lush pictures and snappy commentary make up the book version of "No Reservations." The edition is suitable for coffee table status. For those who are not watchers of the show, the book may have less appeal. It is mostly a picture-book travelogue.

What you have in the narrative is classic Bourdain - funny, profane, thoughtful and resilient. The pictures evoke some of the emotions of the TV series. The sweat-lodge "massage" scene from Uzbekistan is hilarious, (even if it was not so for Bourdain.) The stint in Iceland was a hoot. The moodiness of Borneo evoked. Bourdain is an ectomorphic pencil-necked geek but he can flat-out write as well as he can cook.

Still, he cannot resist taking tweaking snide shots at other TV food celebs like Rachel Ray, Bobby Flay, Ina Garten, etc.

Dude - get over it! They are successes too, without the nicotine Jones or the heroin habit history. Yes, yes Tony, we know you're hipper than thou, we just don't need it shoved in our face - or in the faces of other Food Channel chefs again and again and ....Other TV chefs are as popular and well-known (or more so) than you but I don't see them throwing darts your way, not that they couldn't. What have they done to you? Did one of their production crew kick sand in your face at the beach? Hide your man-purse? What? What?? (Why be catty toward those folks when you have fish-in-the-barrel targets like, say, Rocco DeSpirito?)

I also think I'll pass on any notion to serve up Namibian warthog for my next barbeque idea... at least not before stocking up on a medicine chest full of antibiotics.

Withal, though, I urge you to savor the show for its delicious insights and - if it's to your taste - reserve your own copy of "No Reservations."

Great Pictures!, November 30, 2007
I came from "A Cooks Tour" so I was expecting a lot of writing by Bourdain. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the book was full of images from when they were on site for shooting of "No Reservations" the TV show. So if you're expecting writing, don't. The pictures are great though, and paint a vivid picture of what it was like for Bourdain to tour the world. ... Read more