Editorial Review

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Reviews

This book made my traveling much more fun.
This free book is very helpful. It lists a number of very useful phrases classified into 3 categories: basic, problems, and numbers. The basic phrases include "Hello", "How are you?", "My name is", "Is there someone who speaks English?", and about 30 other similar phrases. An active table of contents has links to all categories.

I travel a lot and I take my Kindle 2 with me. This book made my traveling much more fun.

Only one cent! Excellent!
At this price, such a bargain and worth alot more.
How could anyone give this one star and say that it's "worthless"?
The description clearly states what the book contains. I don't see anything that says that it teaches you a language. there is no reason for a bad rating.

Perfect for traveling, unbeatable price!
We just finished traveling around the world, and I wish I'd seen this before we left! No, it's not a thorough language guide, but I just downloaded it to my iPhone and now have several phrases plus background information on pronunciation and grammar in 25 languages! We could've used it for Spanish, French, Arabic, Indonesian and Korean all in this one trip. For one cent (yes, that's what they billed my credit card!), I can't complain a bit.

A must have!
FREE 25 Language Phrasebook: German, French, Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese, Italian, Greek, Danish, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, ... Chinese, Indonesian, Malay, and Thai.

It is great to have a 25 Language Phrasebook. The sections are very well organized. You can use it on the fly. It is a good insurance policy to make sure you can get around overseas.

Great free phrasebook
For a free phrasebook, this thing rocks. I travel a lot, and even knowing a few words helps. With the 25 languages, it's essentially a must download for any Kindle user. Granted, this book won't even come close to making you fluent, but it will teach you some words, give you a grasp of the grammar, and will hopefully make you more confident when traveling or even trying to impress someone. Phrasebooks are plentiful, but there rarely stands a good one out there. I like this - I can read this anywhere and learn on the go.

It's wide in scope but limited in depth. That's what additional language books/CDs are for. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A Genuine Masterpiece, October 15, 2010
I also read the excerpts in the New Yorker and was very anxious to get the complete book. I was not disappointed. This is easily one of the best nonfiction books (or books of any kind, for that matter) I have ever read. I am always wary about using the overworked word "masterpiece," but I truly believe this is one. Frazier takes us on a wonderful journey: his gradual discovery of Russia through its literature, history and by meeting several native Russians in New York; his deciding to visit the country with Russian friends; his efforts to learn to read and speak the Russian language; and his first trip to eastern Siberia by crossing the Bering Strait from Alaska to Chukotka. The longest journey he takes is by van with two Russian guides across the entire length of Siberia in 2001, arriving at the Pacific Ocean on September 11th. He returns to Siberia in 2005, traveling from Yakutsk to the village of Oimyakon, "said to be the coldest place on earth outside Antarctica," and along the Topolinskaya Highway to the see the abandoned prison camps of Stalin's Gulag. His last visit is in 2009, when he travels by himself to Novosibirsk, Siberia's largest city. Throughout the book, Frazier's descriptions of the forests, the steppes, the taiga, the mountains, the rivers and lakes, the cities, the villages, the monuments and outposts, as well as the horrific mosquitoes and the often questionable food, are simply riveting. He meets a truly remarkable assortment of men and women from all walks of Siberian life, learning how they survive, and often thrive, in such a difficult, unforgiving place. He recounts tales of many figures, both famous and obscure, from Siberia's incredible past: Genghis Khan and the Mongol hordes, the revolutionary Decembrists of the 1820s, exiles like Dostoyevsky and those who died in the horrific Soviet prison camps, Czar Nicholas II, Rasputin, Rudolph Nureyev, and even Yul Brenner. And like all great writers of nonfiction, Frazier sees things that others would miss and makes discoveries that will take your breath away; he is always looking for the unobvious and finding the most fascinating wherever he goes. Consequently, we are treated to a unique portrait of an amazing place by one of our finest writers. Ian Frazier has written a great, great book.

Great historical journey through Siberia, October 13, 2010
i read two excerpts from this book in the New Yorker Magazine a summer or two ago and couldn't tear myself away. It's such an adventure. If you've ever read one of the great Russian novels or studied world history at all you already have an historical vision filed away in your head and this book brings it all back, richly. The spirit in which Frazier traveled to research this book and because he's written it so well you feel like a fly on his shoulder throughout the journey. i'm so happy the book is finally published, i've been waiting a long time for it. Highly recommended!

Brilliant - But PLEASE, people, review the BOOK, not Amazon!!!!, October 25, 2010
I will not try to add much to the other 5-star reviews of "Travels in Siberia" except to say that the superlatives being used here are totally justified. As a review in the San Francisco chronicle said, "'Travels in Siberia' is a masterpiece of nonfiction writing - tragic, bizarre and funny. Once again, the inimitable Frazier has managed to create a genre of his very own." This review is spot on. Readers should read this book and savor every word. It truly is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever encountered--one for the ages.

BUT, I implore people like Mr. Piro to stop giving 1-Star reviews to books because you don't like Amazon's pricing policy! Don't you realize that you are supposed to be reviewing the content of the book? If you are upset with Amazon, why are you taking it out on an author who has nothing at all to do with how Amazon sets its prices? Your anger is totally misdirected. If you are upset with Amazon, CALL them up or WRITE them and complain. To give this great book a 1-star review because you're upset with Amazon is the height of stupidity.

Gorgeously written, but flawed American viewpoint, November 12, 2010
I'm going to write my review without biasing myself by reading the others.

I lived and worked in Siberian and the Russian Far East for several years in the 1990s. Frazier has always been one of my favorite authors; he is king of detail. "On the Rez" was a phenomenal book. Missing my second home, Russia, I snatched up Travels in Siberia the instant it became available.

I'm going to start with the limitations of this book:

1. East of Chita and Yakutia, the locals uniformly call their land the "Russian Far East." They do not call it Siberia, any more than people from Idaho or California call their land the Midwest. Just like Americans have the Midwest and the West, the Russians have the corresponding landlocked Siberia and the coastal Far East. It perpetuates Westerners' geographic misnaming of the region.

2. Leaving the history of Siberia's Indigenous peoples out of the book. This is the most egregious oversight of this book, and it's particularly perplexing given Frazier's history researching and writing "On the Rez." Can you imagine an author writing on the history and the experience of the Dakotas without mentioning the Sioux? This book manages to paint Siberia and the Russian Far East as the historic battleground of Russians and the Mongols, without mentioning the couple dozen tribes - of Asian, Turkish, or European descent - that migrated to, lived in, and defined Siberia for centuries before either the Russians or the Mongols arrived. In a few of these regions, Indigenous peoples still outnumber Russians, and it is still common to hear the native languages spoken on the streets or in government offices. Frazier writes about two visits to the Republic of Buryatia without clarifying that Buryatians are Indigenous descendents of the Mongols. He then visits a bit with the Even peoples in Yakutia, but again fails to relate any information about their history, although the book has some history on the Russian colonization of the region.

3. Frazier entered Siberia with the notion that it is All About Gulags; that is a typical American lens/misperception. Siberia is a whole lot of things, and Siberians do not, nor did they ever, think of their land as Prison Land, any more than Californians currently obsess about Japanese internment camps in California. In both places the gulags are a sad and horrible history but they are far from defining the place. If you lived in Siberia for a year and listened to Russian conversation, you would never know there are any prisons there. Another stereotype of Siberia that Frazier failed to question, and ended up just perpetuating.

4. Siberia and the Far East are the very most beautiful (a) in nature and all the wilderness parks, which Frazier never seems to get off the highway to see!; and (b) in private homes, where Russians and other natives fully open their hearts and are your best friends for life. Frazier is more exposed to the (much harsher) "public life" of Russia, the train toilets and the public litter, than to its wonderful private life. Russians often said to me, "I've visited America, and it's boring there." What they often mean is that Russians, and particularly those who live east of the Urals, are a very social, hospitable, warm, fun people who know how to have a good time. Frazier for whatever reason barely gets a peak at this. And he writes about forests, but never really gets a look at how gorgeous they are in Siberia, because he is always sort of on the main drag, pushed on by two hosts from St. Petersburg who only want to drive faster rather than slowing down and actually seeing anything.

That said, this book is wonderfully written, has riveting detail, and has some truly brilliant insights into both the Russian psyche and the land that Frazier visited. Worth reading.

Travels in Siberia, October 27, 2010
`Travels in Siberia` is an excellent and up to date travel book through Siberia by American writer Ian Frazier, best known for his 1980s travel book Great Plains. Parts of the book were originally serialized in The New Yorker, which sponsored one of his five trips to Russia (those five trips making up the five main chapters of the book). There are countless older travel books about Siberia, many with the exact same title "Travels in Siberia", but things have changed rapidly since the collapse of the USSR so it's good to have a recent account. Frazier's fascination and love of Siberia is somewhat infectious, though he and his friends often wonder what the appeal is given all its problems and horrid history. Frazier is an excellent writer who focuses on the small detail, such as types of trash on the road, the types of clothes, food, restrooms, service (or lack thereof) etc.. one really gets the sense of how crude and rough it is, like a third world country. As a traveler, Frazier is ironically not very adventurous, given how dangerous Siberia can be, it is a safe pedestrian journey. The most daring thing he did was jump out of the car and snap a picture of a prison from afar. When his Russian guides went off to party with the locals, he would stay at camp alone inside the tent. Perhaps because his Russian language skills were very basic it limited his comfort level in new situations. We learn a lot about his guide Sergei, an archetypal Russian who had an amazing ability to fix any vehicle problem with a nail, wire and roadside refuse. In the end I think it's a good book because it covers so much territory and Frazier's eye for simple but revealing detail combined with his excellent writing and humor keep it always interesting and fun to read.

The best book of the year - More like a great Russian novel, November 1, 2010
I have read a number of the year's so-called "best" books, and there are quite a few very good ones, both fiction and nonfiction. But Ian Frazier's "Travels In Siberia," in my opinion, stands head and shoulders above the rest. Frazier somehow has captured the size and scope of this enormous place and describes it with a force equal to one of the great Russian writers--I do not exaggerate!--yet with a totally American sensibility. Since a number of other reviews have concentrated on the amazing experiences and adventures and the fascinating people he encounters, I would like to focus on another aspect: the absolutely brilliant writing. What I have always admired about Frazier, in both his humor pieces and his nonfiction and reporting work, is how effortless his writing seems to be. I am sure, like all great writers, he works incredibly hard at each sentence. But it never shows. His descriptions and metaphors are truly fresh, original and unexpected, yet they always work. A couple of examples: "On the Barabinsk Steppe . . . stretches of real forest often appeared here and there, intruding into the flatland like the paws of a giant dog asleep just the other side of the horizon." And this passage about his arrival back in the US shortly after 9/11: "I smelled diesel fuel, bus exhaust, and a whiff of Jamaica Bay not far off. The speedy channel changing in my head slowed to a stop, and all the ordinary JFK Airport surroundings seemed to settle on my shoulders like an old coat. In my gratitude I did not fall to my knees and kiss the ground. But for a moment I did squat down and touch the warm, black, grainy, pebbly asphalt with the fingers of one hand."

"Travels in Siberia" brims with observations and insights that are simply overwhelming. I do hope people will read this book, as they'll be in for one of the great literary experiences of their lives.

Great history lesson, but shaky travel book, December 5, 2010
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I am learning Russian and took my own first trip to the country this year; there is so much to learn and discover about Russia and I appreciated Frazier's interesting, concise and occasionally humorous lessons on the country's history, culture and geography. Indeed, I found myself laughing out loud at several passages - a valued experience during a good read for me!

Nonetheless, as much as I appreciate seeing an author's sense of humor and personality shine through a narrative like this, I found parts of Frazier's discourse to be simply grating and tinged with a familiarly uncomfortable, unmistakable East Coast self-importance. As many times as Frazier may call himself a Midwesterner in the text, his worldview is clearly that of an affluent New Yorker. This is perfectly evidenced by his reference to his guide/trip organizer/translator/mechanic throughout Siberia as his `driver'. It took a native Russian teacher later to point out to him that he should call the talented person who shepherded him (and his expensive fishing rods) across thousands of miles of Siberia his `colleague' instead (also worth pointing out that in addition to this man's guide credentials, he's the head of the robotics lab at St. Petersburg State University, hardly a `driver' qualification).

Frazier goes on to display a latent sexism in a passage about the beauty of post-soviet-era Russian women. He marvels at the `beautiful women walking everywhere' in Krasnoyarsk, recalling a negative Cold War American stereotype of Russian female appearance and questioning its origins. In his quest to figure out how Russian women apparently became beautiful, he examines historical male perceptions of Russian women (including that of John Quincy Adams), questions a Russian male friend and then finally agrees with the theory of an American male economist that compares Russian female beauty to a commodity crop. Not once does he ask Russian female friends about this apparent phenomenon; had he taken this simple and evident approach, he might have heard numerous, more logical explanations, including the simple reason of the sudden availability of Western fashions after the fall of Communism.

In general, and as other reviewers on Amazon have pointed out, Frazier's attitude and approach keeps him tied to a high-way or zipped up in a one-man tent for good portion of his travels. As his Russian `drivers' go into towns and villages in the evening and get to know the local people and culture, letting the flow of the journey lead them to new experiences and friends, the author remains a somewhat hesitant observer. His obstinate request to see a Siberian prison causes an obvious cultural disconnect and tension between himself and the Russian guides; once again baring his East Coast mind-set, he seems to believe that the simple act of paying them to show him a prison should override their evident discomfort with exploring this aspect of Russian history.

On the whole, I liked this book. My repeated bouts of irritation with the author's personality, however, chip two stars off of my rating.

Well researched, but a little off-putting...., December 14, 2010
I enjoyed all the research included in this massive history of Siberia. Frazier did a great job with a lot of information. The book is fact-filled, very detailed, and generally written in an entertaining style. Good map showing the location of towns he visited -- although I'd recommend that readers refer to maps that show the geography from the "top" of the globe instead. His map seriously distorts the northeastern part of Siberia.

Prior reviewers have covered the strong aspects of the book better than I can. But the some things were a little off-putting.

For instance, it made me squirm when he too-frequently compared himself to fellow-travelers and his hired tour guides, with himself coming off as the better person. That's not something nonfiction readers enjoy in an author.

And he missed out on a lot of the culture of the country by sanctimoniously avoiding the consumption of vodka or people drinking it. Hey, he's in Russia! What about When in Rome, do as the Romans do? Not that he needed to be a strong imbiber, but imagine all the good stories, camaraderie and experiences he missed out on! It's like a foreigner writing about rural America and refusing to attend a potluck, whether he ate the food or not.

Too: I'll bet his married tour guides didn't much appreciate him tattling on them and their escapades. Imagine the stories Frazier could've told if he'd occasionally accompanied them! Maybe he did... Would love to read a book with their version of the long journeys with him.

He very briefly mentions a few people he encountered who were exploring Siberia without paid hand-holders. Those are the kind of stories I'd recommend and will be looking for next. Also, like a previous reviewer noted, I wish he'd included more about the many ethnic groups in Siberia. And why couldn't he have found or taken better photographs?

Finally, the book needed a good editor. Got tedious by the end. Doubt if I'll read any prior books of Frazier's.

More History Book Than Travelogue, December 14, 2010
Ian Frazier's Travels In Siberia is a lengthy tome about not just Mr. Frazier's travels in Russia but a history of the country including Genghis Khan, the Decembrists, Stalin, Lenin and everyone in between. The book is extremely well written and you can feel Mr. Frazier's genuine love of the country coming through, but I felt a little shorted by the passages on his actual travels in Siberia. The first thing you think about when you think of Siberia is that it is a cold desolate place, but on his first trip he goes in the summer. While he does rectify this by going back and travelling through Siberia in the winter that trip seems more like an afterthought in the book. On his first trip, he spends much of his time sitting back in the camp his two travelling companions set up in various campgrounds, roadsides, etc. while they go out and experience the towns. It would have felt more like a travel book if Mr. Frazier had joined the two on their excursions into town and written about the locals instead of the many museums he visited. That being said, Mr. Frazier deserves credit for an extremely well written book especially his story of how he ended his first journey through Siberia on 9/11/01 and his resulting trip back to his home in New Jersey. It was quite compelling and the most heartfelt portion of the book.

Been there, done that, December 3, 2010
In a previous life, ie before marriage, I spent a good amount of time in the wilds of Siberia/China working for a timber company. In the 5 or so years since my travels I often wondered just what it was about this desolute, cold and sometimes downright ugly part of the world that I found strangely compelling. Now I know it is the love of russia that Ian talks of often in this book. While I mainly flew, the author does a wonderful job of bringing back memories of just what it is like to see the real Russia, and the real Russians.

I really liked this book, a great combination of humor, tribulation and history... from a part of the globe still a faceless wasteland to many. Also a good insight into the vast difference between the rule the world mindset in Moscow versus the simeply make it until tomorrow of the 1960's era of the countryside. ... 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

Reviews

Not his best work, but a very good read!, September 18, 2009
This is a good introduction to Dickens for those who haven't yet read any. The plot is interesting, the characters memorable, and the twists and turns are less convoluted than of some of his other works, such as Tale of Two Cities or Great Expectations. Nicholas is a bit too good to be true, but he does have a quick temper that gets the best of him at times. Descriptions of a Yorkshire boarding school are rather grim, but the author's comments indicate that it is a fairly accurate representation. This book has it all, good guys in tough circumstances, bad guys of various sorts, social and political commentary, and a love story or two.

Wonderful (but what Dickens text isn't?), June 22, 2010
Dickens' ability to write outrageously hilarious scenes consistently leaves me floored (and fangirling!) and /Nicholas Nickleby/ is no exception in this respect. Dickens is also tremendously skilled at rendering poetic, heartbreakingly beautiful sentimental scenes, and those also find their place in the plot of /NN/.

This is definitely earlier Dickens - he hasn't quite attained the writing maturity that characterizes what I consider his masterpieces (David Copperfield, Little Dorrit, Bleak House, Great Expectations) but it is nevertheless a wonderful read. Early Dickens is still masterful writing.

My only qualm with the text is a qualm I have with Dickens in general, his female leads are so bland. Kate Nickleby is basically another Agnes -- too passive and good for me to like. The rest of the characters, however, are wonderfully rendered (Newman Noggs! Smike (sob)! and of course, the Squeers!).

The Kindle edition was relatively free of typos (at least, I don't remember too many of them marring my reading).

Enjoyable, pulpy, summer read, August 13, 2009
There's nothing so entertaining as reading a Dickensian description of a letter being dropped in shock by its reader, and it then fluttering to the floor.

Be prepared to be mad, glad, and annoyed...., January 15, 2010
Dickens' novels will spike and plummet emotions. In this book, characters were created that annoy, yet add a needed sense of humor (Mrs. Nickleby for example), and there are those which grate on you- boil your blood, really- but without them you wouldn't adore Mr. Nicholas Nickleby so much.

I was caught by Great Expectations from page one. The opening was more entertaining and it kept up its momentum throughout. This book took me longer to get into, but once I did it was good.

One failing was the close of Nicholas' love life. You read a thick, burly novel like this and grow very attached to the lead character. He falls in love with someone without knowing her at all (so YOU don't know her at all, except that she is pretty) and then in the very end, you do not get to see through Dickens' words how it plays out between the lovers- you get to imagine that yourself (which is fine, I have an imagination, but I like to see these things in ink and through the eyes of a master of the craft). Instead, the ending focuses on an unlikely romance between two somewhat present but not strong characters in the novel, and you get this "here you go" summary of the more prevalent characters' lives.

Good but long, September 7, 2010
This is long. Anyone who completes it should get some kind of credit. Indeed Dickens creates these wonderful caricatures of the human soul in the different characters of the story. Each is like an individual portrait. But the portraits are part of a narrative. There is the battle between good and evil. And I feared that evil would have the upper hand. Dickens is good. ... Read more

Editorial Review

In this inspiring new book, Lidia Bastianich awakens in us a new respect for food and for the people who produce it in the little-known parts of Italy that she explores. All of the recipes reflect the regions from which they spring, and in translating them to our home kitchens, Lidia passes on time-honored techniques and wonderful, uncomplicated recipes for dishes bursting with different regional flavors—the kind of elemental, good family cooking that is particularly appreciated today.

Penetrating the heart of Italy—starting at the north, working down to the tip, and ending in Sardinia—Lidia unearths a wealth of recipes:

From Trentino–Alto Adige: Delicious Dumplings with Speck (cured pork); apples accenting soup, pasta, salsa, and salad; local beer used to roast a chicken and to braise beef
From Lombardy: A world of rice—baked in a frittata, with lentils, with butternut squash, with gorgonzola, and the special treat of Risotto Milan-Style with Marrow and Saffron
From Valle d’Aosta: Polenta with Black Beans and Kale, and local fontina featured in fondue, in a roasted pepper salad, and embedded in veal chops
From Liguria: An array of Stuffed Vegetables, a bread salad, and elegant Veal Stuffed with a Mosaic of Vegetables
From Emilia-Romagna: An olive oil dough for making the traditional, versatile vegetable tart erbazzone, as well as the secrets of making tagliatelle and other pasta doughs, and an irresistible Veal Scaloppine Bolognese
From Le Marche: Farro with Roasted Pepper Sauce, Lamb Chunks with Olives, and Stuffed Quail in Parchment
From Umbria: A taste of the sweet Norcino black truffle, and seductive dishes such as Potato-Mushroom Cake with Braised Lentils, Sausages in the Skillet with Grapes, and Chocolate Bread Parfait
From Abruzzo: Fresh scrippelle (crêpe) ribbons baked with spinach or garnishing a soup, fresh pasta made with a “guitar,” Rabbit with Onions, and Lamb Chops with Olives
From Molise: Fried Ricotta; homemade cavatelli pasta in a variety of ways; Spaghetti with Calamari, Shrimp, and Scallops; and Braised Octopus
From Basilicata: Wedding Soup, Fiery Maccheroni, and Farro with Pork Ragù
From Calabria: Shepherd’s Rigatoni, steamed swordfish, and Almond Biscottini
From Sardinia: Flatbread Lasagna, two lovely eggplant dishes, and Roast Lobster with Bread Crumb Topping

This is just a sampling of the many delights Lidia has uncovered. All the recipes she shares with us in this rich feast of a book represent the work of the local people and friends with whom she made intimate contact—the farmers, shepherds, foragers, and artisans who produce local cheeses, meats, olive oils, and wines. And in addition, her daughter, Tanya, takes us on side trips in each of the twelve regions to share her love of the country and its art. ... Read more

Reviews

Another exquisite culinary journey through Italy!, November 28, 2009
Once again, without any hesitation, this is a most fabulous cookbook/tour guide/education of the Italian experience through the most capable palate of Lidia and her daughter, Tanya. They are becoming synonomous with each other as this is another collaboration of love from this most lovely mother-daughter team of experts.

For anyone who knows of Lidia, she does not just give you recipes and photos; you can get those from any Italian cookbook, and there nothing wrong in that. But I truly feel that her purpose in all her books and endeavors is to appreciate the Italian history and culture hence her books are three-fold: you are given a geographical and culinary education along with the historical education so that you will be able to appreciate how, why, and where the recipes have been given.

So in essence, you are educated on the past history and influence that brought certain dishes to that region and how the geographical region lent itself to encourage certain meals and traditions due to the hard work and joy of the people who lived there. It is through the collaboration of Lidia and her lovely daughter Tanya, that we are given not just the standard information and recipes but instead, the food history, the rich culture, and the appreciation for what you are preparing so that you are not just cooking; you are creating the generations of family joy and culinary history that was passed on from parents to children and to which we need to cling to especially today.

In this particular book, her dedication is to her father, Vittorio. Her childhood and coming of age in this country leaves you with the sincere appreoiation of Lidia's need for acknowledging all who helped to shape and influence her ideology and vocation to this culinary artform. Her parents very humble beginnings started in the former Yugoslavia and have brought her to New York today.

The book is a heavy, well-printed and sectioned gift of love with its text printed on high-quality paper and with exquisite photographs of the Italian regions that she presents to us through her recipes. There is a particular photograph of a shepherd and his flock that is amazing; it will remind you of a Renaissance painting. I felt that her Acknowledgment page was just as wonderful to read as the rest of the book in that she has many gifted and loved people in her life whom she revolves her life, most notably her family as well as all the talented people whom she met and worked with to produce this latest offering.

There are 175 recipes selected within the 12 regions of Italy which are:
Trentino-Alto Adige
Lombardy
Valee D'Acosta
Liguria
Emilia-Romagna
Le Marche
Umbria
Abruzzo
Molise
Basilicata
Calabria
Sardinia

Each section gives you her history with that region whether personal or professional. Each recipe has a short introduction of sorts along with hints and suggestions in both preparing and serving the dishes. Throughout the chapters are wonderful photographs of the meals and people and countryside that the recipes come from; I could not imagine a more enjoyable journey in making this book albeit the hard work and energy it took in legistics, transportation, compilation of information, etc. At the end of each chapter is the wonderful listing of places and sites to see particular to that region that you would not want to miss should you be blessed enough to be able to travel to this glorious country. A small legendary map of sorts is posted at the start of each region with that region being highlighted so as to know from which area you are taking the recipes.

I particularly appreciated the actual ingredients of the recipes highlighted in red; I can't seem to quite put my finger on why that seemed to make the reading and preparation easier but it did.

The recipes themselves are full of the foods that are both expected and indigenous to Italy such as pastas, breads, wines, seafood, desserts, etc as well as others that some may not know as part of the Italian culture. There are even vegetarian recipes to choose from if you, or someone within your circle, prefer to stay away from meats, though many of the pastas and soups will fare well with vegetarians also. For those recipes which require standard preparations such as sauces and stocks, there is a short section at the end of the book that one can reference to in a quicker mode. Her sources for many of the ingredients are listed as well are sources for specific items that you might not find within your area. She also broke down the dishes by course so as to help section them for easier reference.

And last, but certainly not the least, is a listing of what can be found on her accompnaying series that began this month on local PBS stations. Each region and what she will be cooking on each episode is listed along with corresponding page number so that you could read along while watching her show.

You will truly enjoy this book for many reasons, therefore you will be most pleased. Peace.

Italy in a plate, October 27, 2009
The food pictures in this book make me salivate and the pictures of Italy show the true Italy. I have tried the recipes and they are easy and extremely flavorful. I love Lidia's cookbooks because they allow for some personal interpretation and they really bring the flavor of Italy to my kitchen and family.

A good, simple, home-cooking take on Italian food, November 17, 2009
We'll see if this becomes an Italian home cooking standard, but it's a beautiful mix of recipes (with a real eye towards fairly simple preparations, though delicious), excellent food photography (better than any other Italian cookbook that I have), and some text and photos of Italy to inspire the connections between the food and the land.

The writing is casual and friendly, and the photos genuinely enhance the cookbook. But mostly we're here for the recipes. And they do not fail us. We have a roasted lobster dish from Sardinia, heading north to polenta with white beans and black kale from Valle d'Aosta, and finally beer-basted roast chicken from Trento. The regional cuisines of Italy, local ingredients and preparations, are on display here, and with the wonders of the American grocery store, are quite accessible.

Brava, Bravissima, Lidia!, December 14, 2009
Lidia Bastianich's latest cookbook "Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy" is a masterpiece of collected recipes from many less well known regions of Italy. Those which I have tried are truly from the earth, from the land of Italy. You can just feel it, you can taste it with the unique combinations of sometimes unexpected ingredients. Some are familiar from our own family links and still-cooked handed-down recipes from our immigrant ancestors, and thus their authenticity at least per these cases is right on. Others which I have tried are equally fantastic. But then we have grown to expect this from Lidia and are not disappointed once again. This book is a must have for the Italian Cooking admirer and enthusiast alike. Brava, Bravissima, Lidia!

Wonderful, January 2, 2010
In the week I have had this book, I have tried four recipes from the first region featured (Trentino-Alto Adige): Country Salad, Spaghetti in Tomato-Apple Sauce, Whole-Grain Spaetzle, and Beef Braised in Beer. All were so simple that I feared the results would be boring, but all turned out to be delicious.

Family-friendly and sumptuous, March 21, 2010
Organized by region, north to south, and written with her daughter, PBS cooking star and restaurateur Bastianich's sixth book features a must-try dish on practically every well-designed page. Photos highlight the countryside the dishes come from - as well as the food itself. Chapter introductions offer food-themed tours and recipes focus on local specialties, from starters, through first and second courses and dessert; some classic, some unfamiliar.

Like Spaghetti in Tomato-Apple Sauce (Trentino-Alto Adige), Risotto Milan-Style with Marrow & Saffron (Lombardy), Beef Filet with Wine Sauce (Valle D'Aosta), Tagliatelle with ricotta-based Walnut Pesto (Emilia-Romagna), Fish with Pepper Sauce (bell pepper based, with orange zest, tomatoes, and a dash of peperoncino flakes) (Le Marche), Crostini with Black Truffle Butter (Umbria), Meatless Pecorino Meatballs (cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, herbs) (Abruzzo), Fresh Cavatelli with Cauliflower (Molise), Rigatoni with Lentils (Basilicata), Spicy Calamari (Calabria), Flatbread Lasagna (Sardinia).

Familiar and peasant dishes include: Braised Veal Shanks (Lombardy), Roasted-Pepper & Olive Salad with Fontina (Valle D'Aosta), Bread Salad with Summer Vegetables (Liguria), Spaghetti with Clam Sauce (Le Marche), Wedding Soup (Basilicata), Baked Eggplant in Tomato Sauce (Sardinia).

There are numerous recipes for making fresh pasta and dumplings and many family-friendly comfort foods. A particular favorite of mine is Meat Sauce Genova Style which features a beef pot roast braised slowly in a wine-tomato sauce flavored with sage and rosemary, thickened with toasted pine nuts. There's plenty of sauce for a second meal (or a first course, as Bastianich suggests) of pasta and the whole thing can be made a day ahead. Scrumptious!

Bastianich's short intros give a sense of the dish and offer tips for the novice or the seasoned cook and appendices include her TV series' menus, a recipe finder by course, and a list of sources.

While dishes appeal to a range of ambitions, abilities and tastes, Bastianich assumes an uncomplicated love of cooking.

True provincial cooking for any kitchen, December 20, 2009
Unlike a mere-how-to book of cold print on white paper, the very first page of this cookbook casts a heart-warming feel over the entire piece; in it, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich expresses a brief but very moving tribute to her father, whose favorite dishes she included in this compilation. Such a beginning voices well the focus on family gathering which is so much a part of cooking in Italy; having married into a Sicilian-American family, I found much of this book pleasantly familiar in the authentic recipes as well as its traditional feel. The recipes themselves are--like Italy--divided by region; the result is a tantalizing array of dishes to prepare: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls from Lombardy, Beef Braised in Beer, Whole-grain Spaetzle of Trentino-Alto Adige, Veal Scaloppine from Umbria, Calabrese Onion Soup and Sardinian Pasta "Pearls" and Flatbread Lasagna. The "General Reference" recipes were a welcome addendum to the book, including the basic building blocks of Italian cuisine, such as chicken stock and marinara sauce.

A cook with several published recipe books and a television series, Lidia Bastianich (with the help of her daughter Tanya) presents treasured recipes from her own family and her travels, including charming pictures taken along the way, as well as mouth-watering photographs of select dishes. This is a must-have book for any kitchen inhabitant.

This Book is a Treasure, December 27, 2009
As always, Lidia transports you right to the various locals in Italy that she writes about. The photography (of the food and locations) is exquisite. And the recipes are wonderful - easy to follow and to replicate. Lidia gives you the feeling that you are right there with her, and then you prepare the food and it feels even more like you are sitting in a trattoria in Italia. Having been raised as a second generation Italian-American, some of the recipes are as familiar as family, yet others are new to me. And having Lidia explain the origin and evolution of these dishes and their indigenous regions makes them feel like I've known them forever - I just needed to get reacquainted with them. A must-have book for any lover of Italian cuisine.

Marvelously, Easy To Follow Italian Recipes, February 25, 2010
I am a big fan of Lidia, as well as the owner of one of her earlier cook books. I found this particular cookbook chock full of easy to follow recipes that even a less experienced cook would be able to prepare. Instructions were clear and precise. Ingredients were readily available in the neighborhood supermarket. An all-around delightful book, picturesque, enhanced with Lidia's personal touch.

Good recipes for everyday and weekends, February 2, 2010
This book is a good compliment to my Italian cookbooks by Hazan, Bugialli and Rosetto-Kasper. The voice of the cook is fun, you sense Bastianich's quirks and preferences easily but you are never talked down to. She loves to cook and eat this food and wants you to share her passion. The techniques in most recipes are not beyond even a beginning cook. Simple recipes like penne and mushrooms and rice and butternut squash have already become part of my regular dinner line-up. The socca casserole of cabbage, beef and potato is great for winter weekend meals, just the thing for family and friends after outdoor exercise. I took this book out of the library and tried out some of the recipes before I bought it and recommend that folks do this before they purchase any cookbook. ... Read more

Editorial Review

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Reviews

Very informative and concise to boot, December 26, 2010
This book is a great place to start for those wishing to study the history that was Rome from geography and goverment, to people and events this gives a very good idea of Rome. though I must forworn the reader the illustrations from the book are not to be found on free kindle ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Awesome Guide filled with Secrets!, November 22, 2010
I went on my honeymoon to Italy and this book was the only thing I used to guide me around Rome. Rick Steves is simply AWESOME! One example I remember was following his tip about buying the Colosseum tickets on the Colina Palatina booth, in order to skip the HUGE lines on the Colosseum! I did just that and me and my wife went laughing ALL the way from the back of a 200 person line to the entrance and into the Colosseum! AMAZING! This book is filled with MANY, MANY secrets like this and I couldn't find any situation on which Mr. Steves was wrong. If you are going to Italy, take this book with you and SAVE a TON of money! Highly Recommended!

Italy Tour Book, November 14, 2010
I haven't finished reading this book yet, but so far I'm really enjoying it. The text is easy to read and it sounds much like
Rick Steves when he's doing his TV show.

great book, November 11, 2010
I think all of Rick Steves' books are great. He gives advice on how to be a good traveler as well as gives a great assortment of places to visit. I also purchased his vocabulary/phrases book.

For a tasteless, odorless Italy, December 2, 2010
I bought the Rick Steve's Italy 2001 based on good reviews and was hoping that it would help me plan an itinerary, discover places less known by common tourists and eliminate some tourist traps. I turns out that this book did everything but that. It only covers the big touristy places with no insight. For exemple, Capri is only decribed as a famous hideaway of Roman emperors and then it tells you how to get there... but is it even worth the detour if you have X number of days??? This kind of info is easily found on the internet for free no need for Rick Steve.

I wanted to know if there's some place interesting other than Rome between Tuscany and the amalfi coast but the Lazio wasn't even covered by the book. Bologna? Abbruzzo? Puglia? Marche? Sicily? Campania other than Naples and Amalfi? not covered! If you want to know if Capri, Ischia or Procida is a better fit for you, then for Rick Steve only Capri exists in Italy.

This book is made for the typical average tourist who has never been to Italy and wants to see the "most well known" sites by fear of missing something, a guided tour for people who doesn't want to do it with a group. This book will probably be helpful for people who wants a taste of Italy but doesn't need to savour it. As far as I'm concern, Italy is more than just museums and churches, will never buy a Rick Steve's book again, it's by far the worst travel guidebook that I've ever bought. ... Read more

Editorial Review

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Editorial Review

Reviews

Most Useful and Entertaining!, May 22, 2002
A friend bought Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book & Dictionary for me last summer before I embarked on my first trip abroad. My Italian speaking friend had actually lived in Italy for a few years, and after careful consideration, felt that this phrase book/guide would be useful for me. He was absolutely right.

The book proved to be invaluable. It was compact enough that I could carry it around with me in a small purse/backpack that I carried with me throughout my entire trip. I did not speak any Italian whatsoever, and found the words and phrases in the book to be exactly what I needed to get around and communicate effectively. I especially appreciated the pronunciation guide to each Italian word in the book- that was extremely helpful. The practical advice given throughout the book proved to be invaluable, as well as humorous, and the menu decoder was also of particular help. I quickly got over any "qualms" I may have had over appearing too "touristy" on my trip and used the phrase book repeatedly as it proved to be a most definate asset. Thank you Rick Steves' for so accurately predicting the needs of the average beginning traveler. The book greatly enhanced a most wonderful traveling experience. In fact, I am still studying it in anticipation of my next trip to Italy.

Prego..., February 22, 2001
Now if you read this book, you'd know what that means (Can I help you. Do you speak Italian? Here it is). It's not a high school langauge class, but it's a lot more fun, and with some time you'll get pretty good.

I think Rick does a great job is laying out the phrases that you'll need if you go to Italy. We're going in a few weeks, and it's really helping. Now if he could only improve the memory.

The book is small, will fit in a shirt pocket. It's broken down into sections (basics, eating, chating, etc.) so you can focus in on a section that you need, master it, then move to another section. After you've been through it all, you can then start combining different phrases and make some great sentences. It's got a lot of mnaterial in it, so start early when you decide to use it.

Thanks Rick, I actually feel that I can go into the Italian world and be somewhat understood. And, not to worry, I'll smile as I butcher the language, use my hands a lot, and laugh at the whole thing.

Is there one better?, August 29, 2005
Admittedly, maneuvering your way through the sections may be a little tricky at first, but we found that most relevant phrases and lingo was repeated in several different sections to reinforce the learning process. We had looked at and even purchased a couple of other phrase books and dictionaries but found this to be the best one overall. Great pronunciation guides, common everyday conversational items and even the humor is a good break in the studies. I already speak decent Italian, my wife did not, and she found Rick's guide to be much better in format and usability and was the one we chose to take to Italy with us.

The most helpful "little" Italian book, October 3, 2002
I purchased Rick Steve's Italian Phrase Book & Dictionary in preparation of my trip to Rome. Rick not only makes Italian easy, he makes it fun. This book spells out hundreds of everyday words and phrases, as well as the common phrases and words that will be used by a tourist. He gives helpful hints on how to speak with the locals and make the most of your experience. He also includes many words/phrases that many people would want to know how to say but would be embarrassed to ask someone to translate for them. His attention to detail is fantastic. Although this book will not teach you fluent Italian, it gives you a great foundational vocabulary to start you on your way. A must for anyone planning to travel to Italy! Buon viaggio!

Nice Basic Start, September 26, 2001
This is a nice way to start to learn "By the Phrase" Italian. Having just been to Italy, I can vouch for the generally friendly and helpful nature of most of the residents. Also, in most of the more popular tourist destinations, English is often spoken. So, if you were to work with this book and learn some of the useful, ordinary phrases, it would probably make a nice impression on the native Italians and would make you feel less like a clueless tourist. This book will not make you really fluent, nor will it teach you the real mechanics of the language. Keep in mind this a phrase based, quick start approach that is easy to read and should help the average tourist.

Great for General Use, March 14, 2005
This book has all the basics including a few that you may need to use but hope you never have to. It is well organized. Better than the Berlitz books I thought. Some things seems goofy- why do I need a translation for I have a social disease? Then I found out - it is perfect for the gross old man trying to grope you on the train in Milan - that's why. Not to make Italy sound bad. They just have their fair share of perverts riding on local trains hitting on young women just like my home city does. Anyway, where I found this book lacking was food. As you travel around Italy, the dialects change fairly dramatically. So, sometimes it can be tricky figuring out what it is that you just ordered until you have it in front of you. In Germany I bought a language guide that was just for food (not by Rick Steves) and that helped. I wish he would write an Italian food translation book. The good thing is that a lot of people in Italy speak some English. If they don't they often understood my mix of Spanish and French vocabulary. I recommend Rick Steve's phrase book because he encourages you to speak to the people in the place that you are visiting - perhaps even thumb wrestle.

Not useful, May 15, 2004
I love Rick Steves, but this book is too broken up into categories to use very well. We read all the great reviews on this prior to our trip and bought it - mistake. Any time we wanted to look up a word it wasn't in there (first example coming to mind, BLACK! - it was in the Italian to English, but you'd have to be translating that direction only). It's good for a laugh and has funny translations, like slow down the car or i will vomit, but realistically, will you really use that (OK, in Italy if not elsewhere, but it's not something you'd look up at that moment feeling that way). Impractical is the best description of this book

Very useful pocket translation guide, November 9, 2004
This book was a great help during my recent trip to Italy. I liked that Rick Steve's would also add a little bit of the culture and things you should note in here. In the restaurant guide he gives you suggestions, and the fact that your going to pay a bread charge when you sit down at a restaurant. While this book is not complete with all of the words you may need. This coupled with patient folks, you will get what you need.

I think this book is a good starting point, and certainly helped me out as a tourist. I was able to order in a restaurant, get subway directions, receive assistance in a shop without too much trouble. This was one of my best investments on my trip.

Everything you need to say - and more, June 1, 2004
Of course, it has the obvious phrases regarding directions, hotel rooms, food, etc. It also has things you really need to say, but that aren't found in standard phrase books. For example, in the "Taxi" section, you can quickly find out how to tell the driver, "If you don't slow down, I will vomit!" There is just enough humor to keep you smiling without wasting your time, and succinctly hepful comments throughout. This is the phrase book to get for your next trip to Italy.

Great take-along phrase book!, May 31, 2000
Contains the words and phrases you will actually use on a trip. Organized for easy, quick reference. Highly recommend Rick Steve's guidebooks as well. Have used them with great success in the past! ... 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

Reviews

A great scientific book for and a great moment in science., November 28, 2010
Considering that Michael Faraday had very little formal education, he is one of the greatest scientists in history. Without him, we wouldn't have a Kindle, let alone things we depend on.

The book itself is top notch - Faraday greatly detailed his experiements, so much that if you had the background and the equipment, you could easily follow his work. If I were in high school, college or a science buff, this book would be a great work to get as a gift - it places you in the scientific mindset of a great scientist. There's very little graphs or diagrams, and mainly the book is a narrative. If you're not a scientist, this book might seem rather boring to you, but I find it fascinating, if not a bit too technical for casual reading.

surprising changes in scientific publication, November 6, 2010
When one considers that this volume was written by one of the greatest scientists of all time, it is quite surprising to examine the way he approaches the work of documenting his discoveries. It wasn't so very long ago that scientific publication was so loosely governed and composed. When one considers that the science behind the publication was flawless and thorough, one has to be a little taken aback.

Free version from Public Domain is the best version to get 'for the money'., October 10, 2010
The $2.99 version from Amazon is essentially the same as the free ($0.00) version from publisher 'Public Domain Books' and both have much better formatting than the Einstein Books version which is $0.99. I'm not sure, but it seems that I got both the $2.99 version and the $0.00 version at the same time from Amazon - even though I paid for the $2.99 version. So try to get the free one first since it's formatting is just as good.

(Update after posting review) In fact this review shows up on both of the versions from Amazon - so I got both together. ... Read more

Editorial Review

From the bestselling author of The Art of Travel comes a wittily intriguing exploration of the strange "non-place" that he believes is the imaginative center of our civilization.

Given unprecedented access to one of the world’s busiest airports as a “writer-in-residence,” Alain de Botton found it to be a showcase for many of the major crosscurrents of the modern world—from our faith in technology to our destruction of nature, from our global interconnectedness to our romanticizing of the exotic. He met travelers from all over and spoke with everyone from baggage handlers to pilots to the airport chaplain. Weaving together these conversations and his own observations—of everything from the poetry of room service menus to the eerie silence in the middle of the runway at midnight—de Botton has produced an extraordinary meditation on a place that most of us never slow down enough to see clearly. Lavishly illustrated in color by renowned photographer Richard Baker, A Week at the Airport reveals the airport in all its turbulence and soullessness and—yes—even beauty. ... Read more

Reviews

Brilliant!, December 28, 2009
This is my first experience of Alain de Botton's writing and after devouring this book in less than 2 hours (partly due to it's brevity and partly because I enjoyed it so much) I'll be looking to read more of his work.

I'm probably a little unusual in that I love airports and attempt to arrive much earlier than is really necessary so I can get airside as soon as possible and begin to immerse myself in the world of the terminal. I've never been to terminal 5 but the world that de Botton describes could be any large airport terminal; it feels very familiar.

I loved de Botton's perceptive writing and his incisive and insightful look at the lifeblood of the airport. The book is funny, interesting and very engaging. He meets a variety of people and captures their essence in a few short words; impressive observational writing. The photographs by Richard Baker make the book and it wouldn't be as good or feel as complete without them.

This little book is thoroughly enjoyable for the high quality writing and high quality photography. It's one of my favourite books read this year and I'll be getting The Art of Travel soon!

Craftsmanship, October 3, 2010
I have long lamented that Mr. De Botton's publishers can't seem motivated enough to provide color illustrations. I would gladly repurchase a new edition of The Architecture of Happiness, among others, if the illustrations could be redone to the quality of those in A Week at the Airport. Now, having established myself as a reader who likes pretty pictures, I will go on record to say that if Mr. De Botton were responsible for a picture-free user's manual of some piece of software in painfully tiny print, I would still purchase it and read it cover to cover.

This man has something worthwhile to say and a piercing intellect with which to say it. The executive who chose him to profile the airport should be promoted. Fine writing is like a journey and as Mr. De Botton has taught us, travel is an art. Obviously the author leaves traces of his biases and interests in any work and reading this work only serves to increase my envy of those travelers who, having encountered the man at the table, were able to engage him in a two-sided conversation.

However, a one-sided conversation with this author quite suffices. Lest your powers of perception be dim, this is a book about an airport--nothing more, nothing less. We need, sometimes, to be reminded of the successes of our culture and the example of a Ghanian family leaving London with a prized new possession sums it up nicely. The airport may contain a posh and comfortable retreat for the wealthy, but as a whole represents the strivings of an entire civilization to explore and do business to the limits of the globe itself.

An airport is an enterprise worth describing and this book does credit to the concept of turning a trained observer loose on what may otherwise escape our attention.

Highest Recommendation

"A Week at the Airport" is more compelling than flight itself., September 21, 2010
If you've ever imagined where the airport departures timetable might take you, Alain de Botton shares your travel lust. The author was fortunate to receive an assignment to set up a desk at the new Terminal 5 at London's Heathrow Airport for a week, and write about his observations. It is our good fortune to observe his week, and enjoy the unprecedented access he shares with us in "A Week at the Airport: A Heathrow Diary."

His assignment as Writer in Residence gave him full privileges to wander the airport, night and day, and he doesn't miss a thing from security, loneliness, behind-the-scenes workers, and mechanical marvels. de Botton writes with a conversational tone as though he is thinking aloud, as in his other books, and he invites us in to look into the lives of travelers.

I look forward to seeing the airport through de Botton's eyes the next time I pack a bag and travel. And, with great anticipation, I will also await Alain de Botton's next book, wherever the world takes him.

Helen Gallagher Release Your Writing: Book Publishing, Your Way

Boring and depressing, November 10, 2010
Most people are excited about an upcoming trip and the new adventures they will have. This book dwells on the negative: fears of flying, worries, a father fearful that his family will be annoyed with him on vacation, etc. Cold and thoughtful, instead of being exuberant and adventurous. A real downer.

not about the airport life, December 3, 2010
I've expected a sophisticated and colourful description of a life at the airport with some new interesting information since I knew author have been given an unrestricted pass to all airport areas. However this book is 5% about life at the airport and 95% poetic and boring tirades about life in general. As someone with eyes and ears I know very well the diversity of human emotions being expressed at airports however not having a chance to see more from any airport than a regular traveler I wanted to read more about interesting aspects of an airport life hidden from travelers eyes. This book doesn't provide this at all.

AIRPORTS are FASCINATING, October 5, 2010
I am an avid reader of Alain's work. This is one of my favorites. It's brief yet so knowledgeable about how people interact and react to airports. Read it, it's fast and a great book to add to your library.

Excellent, November 17, 2009
Classic de Botton. Insightful, engaging, written with an eye for detail and a depth few other writers can match.

Lighter Than Air, November 27, 2010
Having read the Times review, I expected a bit more philosophy and a lot fewer inane musings. A waste of time but for the quality photography. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The irrepressible Laura Morland, Professor of Gender Studies, is back again! In BABES IN THE BATHS, Laura walks - or more accurately falls - down a wall and swims across a rat-infested pool to rescue a baby in the famous Roman Baths of England. Attempts on her life and near-escapes come thick and fast after that. Laura is pushed down a circular stone stairwell, stalked at night by a sadist through a safari park full of wild animals, locked in the cellar of an ancient church and chased through cobbled streets on a stolen (and very wobbly) bicycle by a mob of angry drinkers.
Laura is ably assisted in her efforts to unearth the villain(s) who are attacking her by another eccentric cast of characters - the indomitable Lady Longtree, whose large umbrella plays a central role, her talented grandson who makes mystery-solving graphs, and a six foot tall redhead improbably named Violet. But are these friends really on Laura's side? Violet could be a man, and the aristocratic Lady has her own suspicious agenda. And who among the members of the bus tour Laura has joined is also a member of the criminal gang? One or more of them must be - that fact soon becomes clear.
When an innocent member of the tour group is murdered, Laura becomes even more determined to solve the mystery. The international baby-stealing gang she's tangling with is deadly and sophisticated - and intent on eliminating her - but to Laura, the fact that the children who are disappearing seem destined for the slave trade is more compelling. This is an issue she knows all about, for she plans to lecture on that very subject in Oxford later in the summer.
Laura must summon all her imaginative powers and more courage than she knew she possessed to solve the mystery of BABES IN THE BATHS. But neither she nor anyone else knows the identity of the master criminal until the very end. A trap is set, the lure baited, a meeting called. The tension in the room rises to unbearable heights. Then, in a wrenchingly dramatic scene that culminates in a totally unexpected accusation, the killer is exposed.

The action in BABES IN THE BATHS takes place in some of England's most famous and atmospheric sites: the city of Bath, with its ancient Roman Baths, Stourhead Gardens, Longleat House and Safari Park,and the magnificent cathedral in Wells.




... Read more

Reviews

superb second mystery, October 14, 2010
Laura Morland is in great form in this second mystery. The subject matter is a bit more serious but that doesn't stop Laura from having a great time. I could almost feel that English mist, smell the floral scents - and I could definitely feel the tension that builds and builds in the last scene. I don't think many people will guess the identity of the villain who is finally exposed.

Marvelous story, interesting ideas, lots of great characters, fun all round.

An English mystery fan

A fitting sequel, November 10, 2010
Over all, I enjoyed the first Laura Morland mystery novel. It was entertaining, had interesting and unusual characters, and maintained an enviable balance between humor and suspense. It also served up some implausible scenarios and situations into which, surely, no rational woman would blithely enter. Strangely, Professor Morland seems to take these situations in her stride -- and that beggars belief. Still, Laura Morland is a likeable heroine and I finished the book eager, in spite of myself, to learn what dangerous predicaments she would get into next. Babes In the Baths is a fitting sequel; indeed, I think it is an improvement over the promising, but still a bit "rough-around-the-edges" first novel. The subject matter upon which the plot is based is a very serious one, and the author handles it gingerly and without pontificating to the reader. It is a brave move on Lambert's part and I think she has done well. Again, one is left shaking one's head over the actions of Laura Morland. She is, by turns, compassionate, insightful, clever, naive, reckless, vulnerable, and independent -- someone I think I'd probably like (though given the perilous situations that befall her on her travels, I would not want to vacation with her). I advise you to suspend belief occasionally in order to enjoy the manifold positive qualities this book exudes. If you are willing to do that, then you'll have a pleasant evening's reading ahead of you. ... 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

Reviews

Rick Steves, December 9, 2010
This book provides a lot of inside information and hints on how to most enjoy time in Paris. There are hints on tipping, how to arrange transportation, how to locate a rest room...and generally great information on how to see and do the things one wants to do. Additionally, Rick has identified special recommendations on how to see the high lights of Paris in a short or longer period of time. I love his books and have used them many times when traveling.

I highly recommend this and all of his travel books.

good quick review of paris, October 17, 2010
I am taking a quick trip to Paris, which I have visited several times in the past. I wanted a recent updated guide to Paris to hit the museums and any other desired sites in a short time. I will add the Pompidou center for modern art to my list, as well as sight seeing in Marais. Rick Steves seems to have good suggestions. I will really know after I visit. ... Read more

Editorial Review

“Italians say that someone who acquires a new language ‘possesses’ it. In my case, Italian possesses me. With Italian racing like blood through my veins, I do indeed see with different eyes, hear with different ears, and drink in the world with all my senses…”

A celebration of the language and culture of Italy, La Bella Lingua is the story of how a language shaped a nation, told against the backdrop of one woman’s personal quest to speak fluent Italian.

For anyone who has been to Italy, the fantasy of living the Italian life is powerfully seductive. But to truly become Italian, one must learn the language. This is how Dianne Hales began her journey. In La Bella Lingua, she brings the story of her decades-long experience with the “the world’s most loved and lovable language” together with explorations of Italy’s history, literature, art, music, movies, lifestyle, and food in a true opera amorosa—a labor of her love of Italy.

Throughout her first excursion in Italy—with “non parlo Italiano” as her only Italian phrase—Dianne delighted in the beauty of what she saw but craved comprehension of what she heard. And so she chose to inhabit the language. Over more than twenty-five years she has studied Italian in every way possible: through Berlitz, books, CDs, podcasts, private tutorials and conversation groups, and, most importantly, large blocks of time in Italy. In the process she found that Italian became not just a passion and a pleasure, but a passport into Italy’s storia and its very soul. She offers charming insights into what makes Italian the most emotionally expressive of languages, from how the “pronto” (“Ready!”) Italians say when they answer the telephone conveys a sense of something coming alive, to how even ordinary things such as a towel (asciugamano) or handkerchief (fazzoletto) sound better in Italian.

She invites readers to join her as she traces the evolution of Italian in the zesty graffiti on the walls of Pompeii, in Dante’s incandescent cantos, and in Boccaccio’s bawdy Decameron. She portrays how social graces remain woven into the fabric of Italian: even the chipper “ciao,” which does double duty as “hi” and “bye,” reflects centuries of bella figura. And she exalts the glories of Italy’s food and its rich and often uproarious gastronomic language: Italians deftly describe someone uptight as a baccala (dried cod), a busybody who noses into everything as a prezzemolo (parsley), a worthless or banal movie as a polpettone (large meatball).

Like Dianne, readers of La Bella Lingua will find themselves innamorata, enchanted, by Italian, fascinated by its saga, tantalized by its adventures, addicted to its sound, and ever eager to spend more time in its company. ... Read more

Reviews

A must read for Italian language lovers, May 12, 2009
For anyone who has been enchanted by the always beautiful, often frustrating Italian language and tried to grasp its basics as well as its intricacies, Dianne's tales will not only ring true but also comfort you.

From obscure word etymologies to entertaining anecdotes, La Bella Lingua will keep you turning pages, nodding along in agreement, laughing, and even learning--I picked up quite a few new words myself even though I've been living in Italy for six years now.

And Dianne's writing? A sheer pleasure. Truly.

La Bella Lingua is a *must* for any lover of the Italian language and assolutamente warrants five espresso cups out of five.

~ Michelle Fabio
bleedingespresso.com

An Italian Vacation in a book, June 29, 2009
When I saw this book, I wanted to read it right away. I did so and as a result, I have fallen even more in love with the italian language.
When I was a student in Firenze years ago, before I knew much of the language, I used to read billboards and ads and think that the italian words were the most beautiful that I had ever seen without knowing what they meant.
This book covers all aspects of the language from historic to artistic to poetic to the not so poetic! I learned so much in every chapter that I hated to see it end. This book will take you on a memorable voyage over the landscape of what is truly the world's most beautiful language.

"great little stories about fascinating people and places", June 10, 2009
Don't dismiss La Bella Lingua by thinking it's only for people who are interested in learning Italian. I don't speak Italian and frankly have no interest in learning it but what has been pure pleasure for me is reading about the origins of the language and history of Italian. This book is for readers who consume great little stories about fascinating people and places. It's about the joy of life that Italians have shared with all cultures over the centuries but it's never been written about like this before. Dianne Hales is my BFF so I've had a ton of rollicking fun along the way watching Dianne as she follows her passion. In Mill Valley we enjoy wine, food and laughter but in Italy with her husband, Bob, they roll up the rugs and share the dance floor at 3am. After each trip to Italy she shares the adventures of her "other life" with me. With La Bella Lingua, she shares these adventures with the readers. The book reminds me of the way history used to be passed from generation to generation - story telling and history lesson all in one delicious book that you won't want to put down. This is my 2009 gift book.

Grazie, Sra Hales!, June 21, 2009
As a languishing adult student of Italian, I am grateful for Sra Hales' book and envious of her linguistic and cultural accomplishments. Her enjoyment of all things Italian both in Italy and her native San Francisco area are generously shared with the reader.
There are two improvements I would like to see in the next edition: More translations - a fair number of words weren't translated and, if possible, a glossary.
I would also love a well-spoken unabridged audio version.
PS. I've added Mastroianni's I Remember DVD to my Netflix list.

Bravissima!, September 1, 2009
I loved every minute of reading and thinking about this book.I bought an additional copy to lend to friends, because I want to keep my autographed copy. But a caveat: Dianne and I were both members of a fiction writing workshop. Dianne was a wonderful reader and great critic, working to make everyone's writing better. And despite her protestations, she wrote an elegant novel that was inbued with all things Italian and created living, breathing characters. I never told her, but I was always jealous of her felicity with the language. I was thrilled when I learned that she wrote La Bella Lingua.

It has exceeded all my expectations. As a lover of romantic languages and the opera, I would have been happy had the book only been about Dianne's adventures with the language. But it is far more than that. It is a wonderful tapestry woven from well researched history or the Italian peninsula and personal anecdotes, with a charming narrative voice, as though you were having a glass of wine with a good friend who was telling you stories. Dianne creates real, recognizable people, even if they died four hundred years ago. I found myself laughing out loud many times.

Dianne manages a mountain of research and wisely divides the book into areas like the history of Europe; art; music; architecture; cuisine; film. and my personal favorite, what we would call swear words. There is so much material, but she deals with it with humor, while always focusing on the human aspect.
I learned an amazing amount. Who knew that there was an important female Renaissance poet, for example? I can no longer impress my friends by explaining with Viva Verdi meant during and immediately after his lifetime, now that Dianne has explained it.

I loved the tone of the book and the fact that Dianne gently pokes fun of her own linguistic gaffes. I'll Always remember Signor Domani Mattina from Milano. Everyone who has ever dared speak a language other than his native one has made similar mistakes. This stops a lot of people from ever trying. As Dianne illustrates, just keep going; laugh at your own
mistakes, and think of them as material for future stories.

I've studied both French and Italian for years, but have developed nowhere near the mastery which Dianne has with Italian .I even studfied at some of the same schools, but it just didn't take with me. I think this fascinating and eminently readable book should be taught in Italian courses, as well as courses in Western Civilization, and art. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys good storytelling and learning about another cradle of civilization.

great for the curious, May 29, 2010
If your curious about language and meaning, like to find out the history and background of how words are used this is an interesting book. If you love Italian yourself -- you'll love these insights.

PC

What your book has given me!!, November 20, 2009
Thank you for writing such an amazing book. Being of Italian heritage it was fantastic to learn a little more about how our language has developed over time. The best part about your book was how it provided for the opportunity to sit back and have a great meal with my dad (80 years old) and uncles and talk about the history of the country and the creation of a wonderful language. My father was born just outside of Rome in San Vittore del Lazio and actually lived in Rome for many years prior to emigrating.

I also am looking forward to having my daughter Veronica (17 years old) read the book over the holidays this year (way too busy with grade 12 studies to read it now!).

Thank you for your dedication to the language and culture and sharing with us the history.

I gave 2 copies away and had mine signed, October 20, 2009
As a long time Italophile I was delighted with this book. The many factoids about Italian history and culture, made this book one which I hated to see end. Although I speak fairly good Italian, the new vocabulary Dianne added was really fun to learn. For anyone interested in Italy, its people and culture, this is a terrific book. When I attended Dianne's lecture at the Sacramento Italian Cultural Center, I was so impressed with her enthusiasm and passion that I am re-reading the book once again. It's even better the second time around!

A surprising charmer, August 23, 2009
I picked up La Bella Lingua in preparation for my first visit to Italy, but even those not planning to go to Italy will enjoy it. La Bella Lingua does for the history of the Italian language what Eats Shoots & Leaves does for English punctuation: Takes a seemingly dry linguistic topic and turns it into a page-turner. Talented writer Dianne Hales could make any subject entertaining!

Only wish I had written it!, July 16, 2009
When I picked it up at Barnes & Noble to thumb through it didn't take much convincing... as I read it I can see myself standing in the Piazza della Repubblica and hear the bustle around the Loggia del Mercato Nuovo and the leather stores around Santa Croce. On my last trip there I was fortunate to find Ognissanti open (in all my other trips my timing was off) and fell in love with the sweet little Franciscan church (and was mortified to be asked to leave because I was wearing a skirt that was a little too short, even with tights on!). I am fortunate to have dear friends in Siena, Poggibonsi and San Gimignano -- such delightful people and spectacular sights to behold.

Thank for the delicious book you have given us to devour! And if you ever want a travel partner, I'm available! A presto ... Read more

Editorial Review

Suffused with Italy's rustic beauty, deep sense of history, and sundrenched soul, 365 Days in Italy is truly la dolce vita. The sparkling sea off the Amalfi Coast. Fragrant piles of apricots and limoni. Florence's winding backstreets. Vespas lined up outside a cozy caf�. Orderly vineyards on rolling green landscapes. Plus magical Lake Como, Rome's always-astonishing ruins, and the pleasure of dining al fresco on warm summer evenings. With hundreds of fullcolor photographs by Steven Rothfeld and delightful text by Patricia Schultz, author of the New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, this calendar evokes the romance and allure of Italy, all year long.
... Read more

Reviews

Love this calendar, December 3, 2010
This is exactly as shown on line. I love it. Every single day has a small picture of something in Italy. Will have to keep me happy until I actually can go there and see it all for myself. ... 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

Reviews

A Rare Surprise, April 18, 2010
I downloaded this book free on my Kindle thinking it would be a work about the Apostle Peter. It turned out to be a very interesting novel about a young British pastor who became a chaplain during World War I. Rather than dealing with interactions between the chaplain and combat soldiers, the novel goes into the young chaplain's struggles with his faith and the temptations he faces while being stationed in France.

It was a bit difficult for me to follow at times due to the heavy use of early 20th centure British slang. This Kindle lookup feature was very helpful. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Streetwise Paris Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Paris, France - Folding pocket size travel map with integrated metro map including lines & stations

This map covers the following areas:
Main Paris Map 1:14,000
Paris Metro Map
Map of France

There are more clichés about Paris than there are tourists at the Louvre, but the fact is that underneath each overused hackneyed cliché is a glistening kernel of truth. The City of Light, the City of Love and the City of Romance, familiar platitudes, but once you experience it for yourself you understand why. There is a je ne sais quoi allure to this city that beguiles, but never completely reveals what makes it so universally appealing. Artists, poets, writers, and composers have tried to define exactly what it is about this place, and yet they succeed only to a point. Perhaps it is as elusive as defining love, for to be in Paris entails experiencing love, about someone, something, some place.

There is so much to do - you know the big ones, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Sacre Coeur, St. Germain des Pres, the Left Bank, the Right Bank, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées, the Opéra- but don’t miss the fun of discovering the small ones, the ones off the beaten path. Nothing like taking your time strolling thru the turn of the century mansion that houses Musée Marmottan then enjoying a café and patisserie in the museums jewel box café.

Wandering aimlessly is romantic. Getting lost isn’t romantic. In fact there are few things that can drain the romance out of a situation faster than realizing that you’re hopelessly lost. So take your travel map and put it away if you want to wander, but have no fear that your wandering will turn into a lost odyssey. You can always pull out the STREETWISE® Paris Map and get yourself pointed back in the right direction.

Paris is not without faults. Sometimes people can be rude, but that’s the case anywhere in the world - be it a large city or small village. You get what you give. And in the case of Paris, as with any true love, you accept the flaws with the charms, the weaknesses with the strengths. In the end the true beauty of Paris will surpass any blemish. Life from a Parisian perspective is beautiful. But that’s another cliché, isn’t it?

Our pocket size map of Paris is laminated for durability and accordion folding for effortless use. The STREETWISE® Paris map is one of many detailed and easy-to-read city street maps designed and published by STREETWISE®. Buy your STREETWISE® Paris map today and you too can navigate Paris, France like a native. For a larger selection of our detailed travel maps simply type STREETWISE MAPS into the Amazon search bar. ... Read more

Reviews

Best item I bought for the trip!, April 18, 2004
This map got us everywhere we wanted to go in Paris for our 1 week visit. I began using it right off the plane when our shuttle driver didn't know where our apartment was. We used it to keep the rain off our heads, and put it down on dirty benches to protect our clothes. The metro map meant that we never took a wrong train. We spent most of the week on foot and every street we were on was in the map. Most of the items and guides I brought along were looked at in the room before we left every morning, but this map was always with us.

Great Map!, June 17, 2003
This map was an essential element of my time spent in Paris. It is perfect if you're going to be in Paris and need a very detailed street map while walking through the city. It doesn't cover many of the outer-lying areas, but it covers the heart of the city in-depth. I speak zero French and this map got me wherever I needed to go. I would recommend any of 'Streetwise' maps. I have used quite a few, both internationally and nationally, and have found them all to be extremely useful. In fact, whenever I know I'm going to be visiting a different city I buy one! Also worth the price because the maps are very durable, they're laminated and I've never had one tear on me.

Perfect companion, June 20, 2005
We recently embarked on a trip to Paris, and brought this and the Insight Fleximap of Paris. Streetwise was always the one being used. It folds out lengthwise so you don't have to struggle with it. We just found the area we needed and folded it to size. Perfect.

It also had most of the tourist locations we needed and was easy to use. We won't go back without this map. Since it's laminated, you never have to worry about it getting wet.

Also, you'll eventually end up navigating the metros when in Paris, and this was handy for that too. We needed to know where the various gares were, and thankfully this map makes them stand out in blue. You also have your arrondisements clearly noted.

I would recommend this to anyone.

Buy it, take it, use it!, October 15, 2000
Used it during pre-trip planning to research where to stay. Took it with us every day while exploring the streets of Paris, which can be confusing. Much better than a bulky paper fold-out map. Dropped our Streetwise while out in the rain but it suffered no damage because of its lamination. It also includes metro stops.

Be sure to get the "Streetwise" map and not the "Artwise" map. The Streetwise series includes an index of street names on the reverse, while the Artwise gives a list of museums & opening times. Index of street names is much more useful.

Also, the "Let's Go" people publish a similar type of map, but the Streetwise covers a greater area.

Good, but has its limitations, November 1, 2005
It's durable, and pretty convenient to use, but (1) it doesn't cover the entire city, and (2) some of the tinier streets on the Left Bank are not marked. If you're not planning on going to any outlying areas it's probably good enough, but if you think you might want to venture out farther, pick up a Plan de Paris par Arrondissement, and you'll never be lost.

A limited view of Paris, October 7, 2006
I bought this map, having read the previous reviews. And am returning it because it gives a much too limited view of Paris. It literally cuts out whole neighborhoods -- the north end of the 18th, most of the 19th and 20th, the 12th arrondissements(including Belleville, Menilmontant), most of the 13th, 14th, 15th arrondissements including Montparnasse, the Cite Universitaire, etc.

Fine if you want to get only to the hottest tourist spots, but totally inadequate if you want to visit the "tout Paris".

Hugely helpful, even if you're not going to Paris., October 13, 2001
Suppose you're a writer who's working on a story set in Paris, but you've never been there and don't have any particular prospects of getting there anytime soon. What can you do for authentic locations and directions? Get a couple of guidebooks for color, but for the geography, this is the map. It covers almost everything within the P�riph�rique, has a very comprehensive map of the nigh-incomprehensible M�tro system, and is generally the most useful aid to Paris navigation around. And it's durable enough to handle being used as a reference, too.

An Absolute Necessity!, October 16, 2005
I just returned from my first trip to Paris, and this map was the best money spent! I used Rick Steves' Paris book to identify places I wanted to go, and this map got me there. I would have been completely lost (literally!) without it. The m�tro map was super helpful, too. We stayed near the Eiffel Tower, and made it to Montmartre (which included changing trains twice) with no problem at all.

If you're going to Paris, get this map--it's a necessary, and infinitely helpful, travel companion!

What a great travel companion!, December 20, 2002
The physical properties of this map make it a very handy, durable guide to get you around the heart of Paris. Laminated plastic, fan-folded like an accordian, it opens and closes in a snap. It survived five days riding around in my hip pocket, looking none the worse for wear. (Don't keep anything else of value in your pockets though. I very nearly got my pocket picked outside the Gare du Nord train station, and my wallet was deep in my front pocket! My wife spotted the little blighter, he couldn't have been older than 10, and alerted me.) When we returned home, it became one of our favorite keepsakes from the trip.

Should be hand-out with your Airlines tickets!!!, April 30, 1999
This is an absolute must for any traveller to Paris. The folded plastic layout as well as the clarity and quality of the information contained is stagering. Makes it taking the metro and getting just about anywhere in Paris a breeze!!!! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Italy offers an extraordinary kaleidoscope of regions and experiences for all visitors. Packed with photographs, illustrations and maps the Eyewitness Travel to Italy has mapped out all of the remarkable flavors of Italy. Use this guide to help you decide where to stay, eat, relax, and shop. Every page in the Eyewitness Travel to Italy has pinpointed the highlights of each fascinating region. ... Read more

Reviews

Great presentation, excellent for planning and reference, April 4, 2006
This is one of the best travel books I've read. Every page has well laid out and well labeled full color pictures to augment the text. Once you look at this it's hard to go back to a dry, sterile book that's all text with a handful of color pages in the middle. The information here is clear and easy to read. There is cross-referencing everywhere, for example a page that's describing a major attraction will tell you where to go in the book to find hotels in that area. There are listings and descriptions for hotels and restaurants in each area, and general travel tips. The introduction to each area of Italy also has an overview of the history and architecture.

I resisted, but this guide won me over!, April 18, 2007
I've been a long-time Lonely Planet fan, believing that text was fine. Why would I need pictures, since I was going to see the places in person anyway? I have since changed my mind completely!

We just returned from a 10-day trip to Italy (mostly Florence and Rome), and I have to say that I absolutely LOVED having this book along. When we went shopping for a guidebook, my husband picked this up and I went straight for the Lonely Planet. I resisted the Eyewitness guide, and we ended up splurging and just buying both. This ended up giving us an entire trip to compare them.

It's true that it didn't list a ton of places to see in each, but we didn't really feel the book was too lacking. If we had known our itinerary when we went book shopping, we probably would have picked up Florence/Tuscany and Rome instead of the complete Italy, but this did help us choose our final destinations. One thing we really liked in the listings was the "Star Sight" marks. With the Lonely Planet books, the hardest part is trying to pick out which of the sights are really worth seeing and which are only so-so. In the Eyewitness book, not only did we have the Stars to guide us, but we also had the pictures to give us an idea if something was going to match our tastes or not.

By far, the best thing about this book was the information about the sights. I got so much more out of the trip by learning about the places we visited while we were there. From the food to the architecture to the history, it was so much more interesting. The clinching comparison between our two guides was the Roman Forum. The Eyewitness book had a sketch showing the layout of the forum with variou areas labelled with a brief description. A more detailed explanation of the various sites appeared on the following page. In contrast, our Lonely Planet tried despearately to explain the locations in prose ("to your left upon entering from this street..." and "across from that stands the remains of..."), and in the end, the only description they gave of each structure/area was its name! I really enjoyed having some background on what the places were and why they were significant.

The only downside of the book is in planning the logistics. There's not a lot of information on how to get from city to city (or airport to city), and the admission prices to museums and attractions are surprisingly absent. However, with the blossoming of online travel sites, a lot of this information is easily available from other sources.

The city maps were a little confusing when crossing from one map to the next (I don't think there's any overlap), but I appreciated having the sights labelled even when they weren't described in the listings. As we walked past a large church or government building, it was nice to be able to see what it was. The color coding of points of interest was good for walking, since we could tailor our route to pass by more interesting spots.

We didn't use the hotel listings, since I researched our hotels online, but we did take advantage of a few restaurant suggestions. There aren't a lot of budget listings, but the ones we tried were fantastic! Off the beaten path, we never would have found them otherwise, and we appreciated having budget sit-down options. The budget listings in our other guide tended to list lunch spots and self-service eateries.

In general, I really think this book helped "make" our trip. The whole time, it was like having a guide with us, pointing things out and explaining what was going on.

Good Starter, November 9, 2006
I found this book useful for helping me target in on the areas I'd be most interested in visiting. Perusing the overview maps and many little photos of the attractions quickly gives you an idea what to expect in each region. It's a great starting point for planning your vacation to Italy. It has all the contact info you need to further track down or get specific information on hotels/attractions.
Once you look thru the book and have an idea on the specific regions you want to visit I'd suggest getting a book just targeted in on that region as you'll get more detailed information on the hotels/restaurants/attractions in that area that way. This book as to not be thousands of pages just briefly describes attractions and as for hotels/restaurants it mostly just gives you a star rating. If you want to do leg work yourself though it may be all you need as it does provide web links and phone numbers where you can get more details on each.

Average but not bad, January 9, 2007
Overall this book fell a bit short of my expectations.
The pictures are nice because it puts a face to the description, but even for a book covering an entire country it felt a little anemic.
Even large cities like Roma, Florence, etc. covered only major items, not even a few unique/unusual suggestions.
This book is alright as a decent start and it's certainly visually appealing but I find other books to be more thorough & useful. Forget the pictures and just get a better book (Frommers, Lets Go, Cadogan, & Unofficial Guides are all solid) and add in a little internet research to see what the lesser known areas look like.

Wonderful Travel Book, June 21, 2006
After looking at several other travel books, I kept going back to this one. It is full of color and interesting facts. Great ideas of places to stay and comprehensive information on currency and traveling tips. The book makes me more excited about my trip each time I read it.

THE BEST GUIDE EVER!, May 13, 2007
I have orderd several travel guides and this is the BEST! "DK Eyewitness Travel" guides are always amazing. It has everything I was looking for with maps, colorful photos, great historical lessons, bus and tram routes, color coded sections, shopping suggestions, survival guide, and much more. MOST TRAVEL GUIDES ONLY HAVE SMALL BORING WRITING PIECES.... this one was amazing with details that were interesting and visual effects that made me want to visit each part of Italy!

A Book for Foreigners and Italians, January 18, 2007
It is a complete wide-angle picture of Italy in just one book. Not too heavy, it provides the tourist who travels all over Italy with useful information. The beautiful pictures attract your attention and you become actually curious to see the Italian architectural masterpieces or just a picturesque corner house from life.

Okay but there are better, June 9, 2008
I have ordered the Eyewitness Travel books for the past 4 years for trips to Ireland, New Zealand, Russia and Greece and have been really satisfied with the illustrations and information presented. However, I've not been as impressed with this volume on Italy. A friend that is traveling with me purchased the Rick Steves' Italy 2008 book and it has much better information and walking guides. Also, that book is lighter! Although it doesn't have all of the glossy pictures of the Eyewitness Travel Italy book, the hints that are provided in Steves' book are much more useful to take with you when you plan to travel across Italy.

Prepared for Italy!, November 5, 2006
I have used these DK companions to traveling before. Just as the rest, this guide to Italy is excellent in many ways, i.e.,excellent pictures, easy to read, to follow. It will prepare you greatly for your trip in terms of what to see, and the historical facts about the sites visited. Once your trip to Italy has been completed, it will become a resource for many memories. There is no need for any other travel guide for future trips!

Great book...lots of pictures, May 27, 2007
Great book for preparing for a trip. It's a bit heavy so I wouldn't carry it around while touring but otherwise ok. ... Read more

Editorial Review

About this LEARN SPANISH Book:

Spanish Language Book - LEARN SPANISH in 12 DAYS - Speed Learning Course


The Spanish Language Speed Learning Course Book for the Kindle will help you learn conversational Spanish in a very short amount of time. Are You Getting ready to travel overseas, Mexico, or Spain? Want to pick up Spanish as quickly as possible? This Book will get you on the fast track to speaking the Spanish language confidently and proudly in 12 days or less!
Learning a foreign language can be a frightening thought for many. According to them, it will just take up a lot of their time. They often disregard the wonderful opportunities that knowledge of a second language brings.

It can help you bond with people who speak the same foreign language as you do, create job opportunities and enhance your career, and impress your friends. Furthermore, engaging yourself in foreign language training actually adds self-confidence and broadens your knowledge.

That is why I extend my congratulations to you, as you have decided to improve your personal, intellectual, and social being.

Your decision to learn the Spanish language is another wise choice as it is among the most spoken languages in the world. You can never avoid dealing with a lot of its speakers some time in your life. Therefore, it isn’t really enough that you know simple greetings like hi, how are you, and basic vocabularies in Spanish.

Common foreign language trainings usually bombard you with thousands of words and phrases in their vocabulary and let you memorize them until you get used to speaking them out – without really knowing how they became that way.

The most effective way to learn a foreign language is through the linguistic approach – training starts from sounds, from which words and phrases are formed, until eventual construction of sentences using these words are made.

Did you know that…

* Sounds are among the fundamentals of one language because all through out language training, these sounds are used to speak out words and form sentences.

* Words should be learned one at a time according to the word category they belong to (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.), as they have characteristics unique to the category only.

* Sentences are actually proper arrangement of words only. Hence, enough knowledge of words and their characteristics can create sensible sentences.

* Learning a new language involves being familiar with its greetings and most basic phrases, and actually knowing how they came to be.

Linguistics, the study of the structure of a language, is an area of knowledge that is very important and effective; but is never really exposed to many. Yet you could be one of those few people to benefit from it!

In this light, I have prepared a comprehensive report to help you learn how to speak the Spanish language using linguistics … in just 12 days or even less!

“The Spanish Language Speed Learning Course: Speak Spanish Confidently … in 12 Days or Less” is the best training material for you, as you will be held by the hand each step of the way - from the basics up to the complicated topics in Spanish.

With pronunciation guides, accurate glosses, and ample examples, you will never have any problem understanding each Spanish word and sentence you’ll be encountering, until you’ll be able to create your own sentences as well.

The best thing is …

You don’t need one whole school year or even a semester to train yourself in a language that more than 250 million people speak. 12 days is all it takes to learn how to speak Spanish!

Get Your Copy Today and Start Speaking Spanish with the Fastest Method Possible... ... Read more

Reviews

bogus reviews, December 21, 2010
Interesting that the book is by J. SMITH, All of the 5 star reviews are by someone named SMITH from TEXAS except for one, which is from Cowboy from TEXAS! Talk about bogus reviews! You just convinced me not to buy this.

This is the original Best Seller Learn Spanish Book, September 15, 2010
This is the original Best Seller Learn Spanish Book. I was happy with it. However there is a revised version that has the table of contents hyper-linked and formatted better, but you have to pay a couple of bucks more, so it depends on what you like as to which one of these versions you would want to buy. Check 'em both out, same best selling book, try it out...The new edition will have the orange star-burst on the cover.

Text to speech is useless, November 10, 2010
The book may be good, but I bought it to test the text-to-speech. I was curious to hear if the Spanish would be pronounced in Spanish or in English. It's pronounced in English. Perhaps a Spanish version of the Kindle is needed to hear text-to-speech that pronounces in Spanish.

Simple Fast Learn Spanish for Kindle Course, August 3, 2010
Simple Fast Learn Spanish for Kindle Course. If you need to learn spanish fast this is a must course. No fluff. Not a bunch of garbage spanish words that you are not going to use. Teaches you spansish fast.

Good spanish learning book, November 14, 2010
I would say this book is good, not great. The revised version is much better formatted but for the price this one works. There are a few spelling errors but if you speak English already you know what it means.

Learn Spanish Fast with this., August 4, 2010
Great no fluff, to the bones spanish language book that I could use and helped me learn all the basic words fast. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn it fast and only what you need to get by. Good learn spanish book. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Like many of his generation, Bill Bryson backpacked across Europe in the early seventies -- in search of enlightenment, beer, and women. Twenty years later he decided to retrace the journey he undertook in the halcyon days of his youth. The result is Neither Here Nor There, an affectionate and riotously funny pilgrimage from the frozen wastes of Scandinavia to the chaotic tumult of Istanbul, with stops along the way in Europe's most diverting and historic locales. Like many of his generation, Bill Bryson backpacked across Europe in the early seventies--in search of enlightenment, beer, and women. Twenty years later he decided to retrace the journey he undertook in the halcyon days of his youth. The result is Neither Here Nor There, an affectionate and riotously funny pilgrimage from the frozen wastes of Scandinavia to the chaotic tumult of Istanbul, with stops along the way in Europe's most diverting and historic locales.

Reviews

I guess you had to be there . . . ., March 5, 2000
It's interesting to read through the reviews for this book: most of those praising the book either come from Europeans, or else mention "Neither Here Nor There" resonating with their memories of travelling in Europe. The negative reviews all chastise Bryson for being too superficial, or shallow, or racist, or for not 'interacting' properly with the people he meets. What's particularly strange is the number of reviews that praise Bryson's other books, then say this one is not up to his standard.

Well, to those who fail to catch the humor here: book a flight to Europe, and see for yourselves. Europeans aren't somehow beyond the possibility of being unintentionally funny, and Bryson is not being an 'ugly American' for pointing out their foibles in very funny ways--witness, for example, his devastatingly funny transliteration of Dutch conversation, or his adventures getting travellers' checks replaced after they've been stolen by a Gypsy girl in Italy.

Bryson is also honest. He tells you what he likes, and what he doesn't, and, far from being xenophobic or parochial, he's perfectly willing to change his mind when a place he visits either exceeds or falls short of his expectations. He lavishes praise on the most unlikely of destinations, and avoids the fawning tones of many travel writers who feel somehow obligated to adore every place they visit, especially the most famous ones. All real travellers are familiar with this phenomenon: the most intense joys of travel are most likely to be experienced in the least obvious places, and often at the most inopportune times.

Finally, Bryson is simply funny, and this book is too. I hope he comes to Asia next.

No need to get in a fuss-this truly is a hilarious read!, May 12, 2001
I believe there are more than enough reviews here to decifer whether or not you plan to read this charming, witty and candid book. However, as an Australian raised in both Europe and America, I must heed a warning to those of you who read the negative reviews by Europeans and Asians. DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM!! They obviously lack a sense of humour and the ability to laugh at themselves (unlike Bryson). Bryson can be provincial at times, but he is so charming indeed! One who has traveled for days in a foreign land can understand his exhaustion and frustration and will howl with laughter.

Yes, Bryson at times can be brutally honest with his opinion of foreign countries and their inhabitants and culture, but they are HIS OPINIONS and they are frankly FUNNY and quite observant. I suppose those who take offense to his opinions neglected to understand that Bryson is a brazen self critic and will unabashedly admit to his lack of sophistication due to his stereotypical midwestern American upbringing. Please take no notice to the malevolence of the quazi-sensitive and humourless French and Germans who negatively reviewed this charming and engaging work.

Give the man a break and give this book a READ...Unless you possess absolutely no sense of humour, you will find it quite enjoyable!

A funny way to improve your cultural knowledge, November 4, 2002
In his book "Neither here nor there" Bill Bryson writes about the experiences he made when he was travelling through nearly the whole of Europe, fluent in only one language (which is English).
He starts in Hammerfest, Norway (as far north as you can get in the world by public means of transport, he says), goes to Paris, Brussels, Belgium, Aachen and Cologne in Germany, then on to Amsterdam, Hamburg in Germany again, Copenhagen in Denmark, then onto Sweden (Gothenburg and Stockholm), then down to Rome, then to southern Italy (Naples, Capri and Sorrento), up to the top (Milan, Como), through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Yugoslavia, Sofia in Bulgaria, and finally Istanbul.
As you can see, by reading this book you'll learn a lot about European countries with their different languages, customs, habits and ways of life. But this isn't one of those boring highbrow books, that you can't read without falling asleep - no! - once you start reading you can't stop. Bryson has a unique brand of humour that I personally like very much. He is able to crack jokes about any situation, no matter how hopelessly and unpleasing they might have been.
Especially as an European citizen you'll have a lot of fun because you recognize all the stereotypes that you know either from telling or personal experience. And be prepared for some nasty jokes about your compatriots!
All in all I can highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to get to know European countries in an amusing and interesting way.

Bill Bryson has an incredible sense of humor, April 17, 2001
Bill Bryson really made it big in England after the release of 'Notes from a Small Island', which, however isn't his best book. His best would be either 'The Lost Continent' or this book 'Neither Here Nor There'. I very rarely laugh out loud at TV shows or books. Only 'Frasier' on TV and Bill Bryson in books have this capacity to make me laugh relentlessly. 'Neither here Nor There' is Bryson's story of the reenactment of his student-day travels through Europe some twenty years later. He tries to visit all the places that he visited with Katz (yup, he appears in 'Walk in the Woods' too) in the seventies, as well as Norway to see the northern lights. Bryson's descriptions of situations are hilarious, primarily because he is just a normal guy and you can imagine yourself in the same situation, especially if you have visited any of the countries he visits, but even if you haven't, it is still a delight to read. Another great thing about Bill Bryson is that he is not afraid to be politically incorrect, calling France's population 'Insufferably French' to give just one example. He is also happy to insult a place if he feels it deserves it, something which other travel writers can seem reluctant to do. He of course balances out these criticisms with his entusiasm for so many places and you also learn many interesting facts from his stories such as Liechtenstein is the world's largest producer of sausage skins and dentures. Hands up who knew that!!! I can't even begin to do this book justice in my review, all I can say is buy Bill Bryson's books and I promise you will not be dissppointed, they are all a joy to read. Bill seems a lovely guy and, in his words, not mine, 'If he wishes to acknowledge this unsolicited endorsement with a set of luggage or a skiing holiday in the Rockies, let the record show that I am ready to accept it'!!!

Not a travel guide but for pure entertainment - VERY funny, February 28, 2001
If you're looking for a travel book to use when you explore Europe, this one won't be the most useful book out there. But if you are looking for entertainment, want to learn a bit about Europe and are prepared to laugh uproariously, this is a great choice. Bryson skewers the traditions and habits of other countries, recounts many hilarious experiences during his travels and describes some of the best (and worst) destinations in Europe. He has a fine writing style, casual, breezy and unique. The section on waiting for The Northern Lights to appear - and waiting and waiting for days on end - was worth the price of the book alone.

Almost unbearably funny, January 12, 2007
Someone once said that you can fake intelligence, but you can't fake wit.
Maybe that's why there are so many books...but so few funny ones.
I for one think the world needs a lot more funny books.
I sometimes get sick of reading analytical nonfiction, sick of reading serious descriptive prose, sick of the things I read always demanding something from me, whether its my earnest attention or my logic and reasoning.
Sometimes, I just want to read something that will make me laugh.
That's when I'm grateful for Bill Bryson.
This guy is hilarious.
Forget how cranky and irritable his writing makes him seem, forget his biases, forget that the subjects of his books sometimes seem like little more than loose structures built solely to be ornamented by jokes, forget that his book jackets always mention that he's one of Newsweek's celebrated "boomers," forget all that.
Instead, just read his work, and take careful note at the number of times you have trouble breathing due to how hard you're laughing, at the number of times someone asks you if you're okay because they're not quite sure if you--you with the book over there--are laughing or sobbing, at the number of times you almost wake up the sleeping person next to you with your uncontrollable guffawing.
This book has little more going in the way of plot than the loose story of Bill Bryson traveling aimlessly around Europe, but it is funny. Hilarious.
If you have any sense of humor at all, you will laugh at it, I can almost guarantee it.

with dry/goofball/neurotic humor, this democratically makes fun of all cultures, January 21, 2007
While Bryson does offer some historical context for the places he travels (especially in relation to WW II), whether you like this book or not depends far more on your sense of humor. There's very little dialogue and almost no social interaction outside of Bryson dealing with travel logistics- getting bus tickets, checking into hotels, ordering dinner. Personally, though, his dry/goofball/neurotic sense of humor made me laugh out loud time after time, and I found myself more surprised during short passages where he was relatively serious than the relentless humor. Only if you're obsessed with political correctness, he may offend you, but he is democratic in his targets, and even pokes fun at himself (for example, describing his temper tantrum in Sweden after having to pay for a failed phone call).

Some specific examples include him describing the cow as the perfect pet, a slapstick scene involving the meatballs rolling out of his sandwich ("like sailors abandoning a burning ship"), a woman on the train who "looked as if she hadn't smiled since 1937 and who spent the entire journey watching me as if she had seen my face on a wanted poster", and another train ride when he was "spreading out the map on my knees in its full crinkly glory, to the undisguised irritation of the old lady next to me, who hoomphed her bosom and made exasperated noises every time a corner of paper waggled in her direction."

Rucksack traveling through Europe., May 29, 2004
"Traveling is more fun," Bill Bryson (aka "Bernt Bjornson") observes in this hilarious account of his backpack travels through Europe, "hell, life is more fun--if you can treat it as a series of impulses" (p. 131). After first backpacking through Britain, Ireland, Scandanavia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy in 1972 (p. 13), as a "skinny, shy" 20-year-old American from Iowa, lost in "private astonishment" (p. 20), and then returning with Stephan Katz (Bryson's memorable hiking companion in A WALK IN THE WOODS) the following summer (p. 20), Bryson attempts to recapture that experience nearly twenty years later in NEITHER HERE NOR THERE. Bryson lived in England for fifteen years before setting out on his midlife pilgrimage from Hammerfest, Norway to Oslo, Paris, Brussels, Belgium, Cologne, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan, Como, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Yugoslavia, Sofia and Istanbul. While the result is characteristic Bryson, this book doesn't quite hit the mark of some of Bryson's other books (e.g., A WALK IN THE WOODS, A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING, NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND), primarily for the following reason.

Somewhere along the way, Bryson lost his sense of "private astonishment" for Europe. Wherever he travels in this book, and as hard has he tries, Bryson is unable to recapture his youthful sense of wonder for Europe again; it is neither here nor there. As a result, and as numerous other reviewers have previously noted, this is the travel narrative of a xenophobic tourist, who finds very little to praise about his experience traveling through Europe. Instead, we find Bryson tramping through Europe, rather indistinguishable from the hordes of other boorish tourists who overrun major tourist destinations like Paris, Florence, Brussels, Stockholm, Rome, in search of inexpensive American food like burgers and beer, offering us very few original insights along the way, attempting instead to entertain us with sophomoric and mean-spirited humor. While many rucksack travelers (including me) have known the "private astonishment" Bryson experienced while traveling through Europe in his younger years, few readers would ever want to visit the Europe Bryson has described in this book.

G. Merritt

He hits the nail on the head -- hilariously!, March 12, 2002
Having just returned from Japan, Kuala Lumpur and Australia, I'm not yet ready to attack "War and Peace." But after reading Bryson's "In a Sunburned Country," which gave us a hilarious and tantalizing introduction to Australia, I'm finding "Neither Here Nor There" just as much fun and an easy read while suffering from post-Australian jet lag.

I've visited most of the cities he describes, and he brings back lots of funny memories and also takes me back to places and points out things I really didn't pay enough attention to when I was there. As another customer reviewer said, if you don't laugh a lot when reading Bryson, you don't have a sense of humor, and I wouldn't want to be stuck on a desert island with you.

Although I winced a few times at some of his crude language -- he doesn't use it in "Sunburned"; maybe he found his vocabulary during the 90's -- he didn't use any words I haven't used myself when the situation warranted it.

Read it and laugh.

Average Bryson--start with the others, January 13, 2000
This book is an average book: enjoyable at times, slow and boring at others. While Bryson maintains his sarcastic style used in Walk in the Woods, Notes from a Small Island and the Lost Continent (all better choices as intros to Bill's brain), he fails to bring out what always saved his sarcastic rants: his fondness for the people or country.

In the 3 books I listed, Bryson deliciously skewers the US and UK and their people, but there's always a loving undercurrent underneath (kind of like teasing the sibling which you love to death). In case you miss the point, he would end the book by saying how much he loved the respective countries.

In this book, no such love is found. He just rants and raves about different European peoples and cities. Further lowering the enjoyability of this book are the few remarks that could be considered racist or xenophobic. As to these remarks, they don't get a lot of airplay and only sensitive people (or members of the groups) will object to them, but they're there nonetheless.

All in all, I'd recommend this book only for those who have read the other Bryson travel books and need to read everything he has written. Otherwise, read the 3 books listed above and his essay compilation "I'm a Stranger Here Myself." ... Read more