Touring Books

There's a lot of great writing about all phases of the Vietnam war experience, so there's really no reason for editors putting together a selection of stories, chapters from books, articles, etc. to fail to assemble a fine collection. However, in my opinion, Greenberg and Norton did a mediocre job of picking writing for this book.

Rather than reading this book and getting a couple of chapters from Tim O'Brien (mixed in with some lesser quality writing), I'd recommend you read a full book by Tim O'Brien (If I Die in a combat Zone is a favorite of mine) or some other top writer.

The conceit of this book is to take one along on a start to finish ride on a tour of Vietnam as experienced by the typical 'grunt.' It's a pretty good idea and I believe that the editors did a fine job of selecting various essays, short fiction and brief sociologies to describe the process from induction through return to the "world." There are issues raised in this book that, unless you were a participant in the actual war, I am quite certain will be new to you. I am thinking in particular about the issue of race and the relationship of the war to the Civil Rights movement in the United States and also, of course, the reactions of both blacks and whites to them. There is a lot of day to day life experience included here too which is not always addressed in other literary sources on Vietnam. Not every selection is golden however, and one may find himself, as I did, skimming some bits to get to the better bits but on the whole this is a good, solid effort that, for the price, definitely merits a purchase. One critic below pans this book and recommends Tim O'Brien's book but, quite frankly, all of the best bits from that book are included in this one which means that you don't have to wade through the gaseous prose surrounding them in the original. I would recommend a book titled 'Reporting Vietnam: American Journalism 1959-1975.' This is an utterly brilliant compilation that, rather than tracing the year in the life of the grunt, does a treatment of the entire American conflict. It is filled with riveting stuff and will have you staying up through the night devouring it.

As a former grunt in Vietnam I still remember my tour indelibly. This book brought back many, many memories--some searing, some distressing and a few pleasant. The contribution by Asa Barber is especially fine. I think this is the book I would like to give people to sample what a tour was really like.

The TCI guidebooks have been known in Italy for being the definite guidebooks for traveling art historians. Their maps of localities and building structures and compounds are unmatched, showing an architect's detail rendering that is not commonly found in your common guidebook. But here lies exactly the problem: this guidebook could have been published in the 1920's, you can find clones of it by British tourism guide publishers, listing in clinical exactiness the details of every architectonical and archeological feature encountered, all for a very passive audience. Or, a yet better example, a guidebook made in the late 50s or early 60s, right after the roaring 50s in the era of the Dolce Vita, with its american actors roaming the streets of the then gilded age.

This style doesn't mesh well with today's pro-active attitudes of young tourists. They want to feel the EXPERIENCE and be an ACTIVE part of, rather than being a PASSIVE observant. Take, for example, the itineraries described in the first half of the book. They are basically a listing of gems in the art history hierarchy, and invites the tourist to follow them like a dutifull school pupil. I think this style is out of touch, and it might have worked 40 years ago, but today's tourist doesn't want to be lectured on dead objects, but would rather experience the living patterns that makes life in a city. On the latter, this guidebook makes no attempt in describing such, except for a few mentions in the ending where a few open markets are mentioned.

In the second half of the guidebook, there is a section called Itineraries and in a subsection called Walks, there is a list of suggested walks for those that want to "feel" the city following a pictoresque route. But... there are no maps ! While there are maps for the architectual itineraries listed in the first half of the book, there are none in this section. Which leads me to conclude that this edition is a re-hash of an TCI classical stale guidebook (that would be the first half in this edition), and then a second section added to address more or less the needs and interests of today's tourist. But the result is a schizophrenic composite suffering from multiple personalities.

When writing a guidebook about a tourist destination, the authors must keep an audience in mind, and never leave focus. The TCI audience has been, in the past, people that have canonically followed the traditional path of studying a locality for its artistic and historical value in the form of art and architecture, aka the permanent traces on the land by the implementation of cultural movements in the past. So, the TCI audience is really a studious group that enjoys studying the details of "dead" inanimate objects, and ignore the "live" behavioral pleasures. Take example the very hip and lively neighborhood of Trastevere, now the destination of choice for the young crowd on any evening. How does this guidebook treat it? by mentioning its churches. B-O-R-I-N-G.

Another remark on how the authors "lost" the audience when preparing this guidebook, is the translation from italian to english. First, if one is addressing a specific tourist-base, they should "speak" their language, and use language idioms that seem modern and up-to-date. A native english writer should have been employed, rather than making a translation from an existing italian text. While the text is clinically correct, it suffers from not really addressing the audience. One could almost "hear" english spoken with an italian accent when reading some of the text (case example is the Rome In Cinema section (pages 121-127). The Rick Stevens books don't lose their audience, but "speak" the audience language. There was this american student in Italy, and she used to volunteer as a guide at the Roman Forum. She described some of the things happening in the Basilica Emilia as "CNN does today". Her american tourists audience immediately "connected" with that notion, and at the end of the tour, she was generously tipped. Get a guide that "connects" with how you think. A travel trip to a foreign country is much about the experience you will have, and less about a school lecture in the style of 40 years ago.

Just like the decline of the symphonic orchestras has been attributed to the lack of music appreciation education in today's schools, one could arguably make the point that the lack of interest in today's art and architectual gems by the younger audience is in part because of the lack of art history appreciation education in today's schools. Ah, Latin is not taught in today's schools: quel horreur! So, what the Old Guard does? they publish this guidebook anyway, without really doing a realistic market research of who would be interested in this book. This book has not been "beta-tested" or reviewed by volunteers on foot patrol. The Rick Stevens guidebooks are instead very active, and very respondent to reader's feedback.

Some of the text just didn't translate well: the zoo is called Biopark. In describing a nature reserve 100 miles from the city, a taxonomical listing of some of its mammals includes the "Marsican Brown Bear" (there is no need to get into such detail...)

The full page on visiting the Peroni brewery is marred by the fact that such visits must be scheduled and arranged in advance by appointment.

On page 9, about the different types of train, no mention is made about the huge price differences in ticketing they may incurr. One could save up to 60% in choosing the "right" train.

About tourist general tips and info for pharmacies. It mentions that there is always one open on 24-hour duty within an area, but makes no attempt in describing how the visitor can find out that information.

On the archeological tour in the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: it makes no mention that the Forum is free, while the Palatine Hill has an admission fee of $7.

On page 43 there is a picture of the Casino of Villa Doria Panphilj. The picture of this location is completely out-of-context for that chapter. The text describing this location is on page 80.

Along the description of art galleries, museums, churches, buildings, there is no mention of the opening hours, times, admission fees. The reader is delegated to read the listing in the appendix, which, in practical terms, it pretty annoying and useless.

On page 76, the item 9 circle on the map is positioned too distant from Porta Settimiana, which is what the text describes for item 9.

For the surroundings of Rome, Anzio is mentioned, but again, only its churches and art history-related locations, and no mention whats-so-ever about the American Military Cemetery of Anzio, a must-do destination for the american tourist. (again, another proof of how this guidebook "lost" its audience...)

For the Appian way section, it fails to mention that on Sunday mornings and early afternoons, the road is closed to vehicular traffic to become a pedestrian and bicyclist delight. A great guide would mention where to rent bicycles for a two-hour self-guided tour. (again, most pleasure in foreign travel is about ACTIVE EXPERIENCE, not just PASSIVE assimilation).

The picture of page 151 of a spelunker with helmet and headlamp exploring the underground antiquity chambers is misleading. The average tourist will never be permitted to do that.

Just like in software, this is version 1.0, and it is buggy. Version 1.1 will have the bug fixes. But then, in my humble opinion, this edition was never "beta-tested" with a volunteer army, that, would have eagerly feedbacked with how old-fashioned its style is.

On the plusses, the maps are superb. The Tivoli and Villa Adriana maps show altitude contour lines, and a level of detail unmatched. The restaurant listing in the appendix and its ranking in quality is veritable.

And last but not least, the title: "Authentic". That is what got me interested in the first place. Every european city today is very very different from just ten years ago. There are entire neighborhoods now with mandarin chinese signs, asian vegetables sold at open market stalls, different tongues spoken, and different aromatic smells from the food vendors. Instead of being "authentic", this book is actually a traditional rendering of a city as it could have been described half a century ago.

The Touring Club of Italy is well-known for its focus on natural, cultural, culinary, and historical itineraries. This guidebook is very well written, perfect for pre-travel planning and to carry with you during your trip as well. Great for off-the-beaten path itineraries and do-it-yourself travelers.
The Touring Club offers guidebooks for each region of Italy, and for those of you who don't know, that's the best way to see Italy: region by region, NOT all in one single trip! So, find out which regions you want to see first by giving these books a read and finding out which area is more ideal for your vacation.

This book covers all areas of bungundy in ways it seems only an expect could do - and sometimes understand. All possible areas of interest, known and little known, are listed. The many area/city regional maps are very clean and helpful. The only thing to possibly change is the blow by blow listing of what highway to take where, when to turn right/left, etc. That tends to make the book drag. Overall, definitly worth purchasing if you want to get started in Burgundy or need a driving guide of who does what and where they do it. (If you do use this as a driving guide, don't bother getting a Michelin guide unless you are going outside the appelation.) Makes you want to drink a glass for every word printed.

I am a professional in the field of wine and food consulting and a former staffer of Cuisine magazine, in New York. After reading through "Touring in Wine Country: Burgundy" by Hubrecht Duijker et al, I feel the book provides a broad understanding of Burgundy wines, but is lacking in several specific areas. For example, in its restaurant and winery suggestions it does not include the address, hours, or credit cards taken. Only the telephone numbers are listed. This would require that you carry around a European cell phone to call ahead to get directions and information, or that you have time to stop and find pay phones while traveling. The writers also assume that you are sufficiently fluent in French to communicate with prorietors to get all the information you need. This, in my opinion, is a serious flaw in the book. Moreover, the vineyard and restaurant recommendatons are written in very small type along the margins of the book - like mouse print. The maps are very general and would not suffice in and of themselves - to get you where you're going. Another book, Fodor's Rivages - Wines and Vineyards of Character and Charm in France, I feel, does a better job on the maps and recommendations-- all have addresses, hours, credit card information, etc. And each winery has a page description so you know beforehand if you want to visit and what the days/hours are. Each winery has a number that corresponds to a location on a map- which is fairly detailed, so you can easily find it.

This book is helpful but very badly translated into English

The previous review below has no merit unless its a decade old or out of print copy. It is all perfect English and written just as any other modern touring reference book. The tourist reference reviews details about historical architecture and sites of interest, its concise history and current events within a vast array of towns within the 4 provinces of Le Marches. I read this book often and refer to its pages for detailed information about the towns I visit on a yearly basis.
If you ever visit this beautiful region of Le Marche which possesses more dramatic variations of countryside than the crowded and overrated region of Tuscany, then you will enjoy what it has to offer for an aspiring traveler seeking Italy's more quietly kept secrets and less tourist overrun regions.

Sharon Hecker and Harry Cooper provide excellent insight into an extremely important, under-appreciated artist and his technique. Hilton Kramer describes Hecker's treatment of Rosso as the most thoughtful account of Rosso ever written. (see Hilton Kramer, "Sculptor Rosso Coated Work in Wax as Performance Art," New York Observer (August 18, 2003))

There is no question that Rosso made his own waxes and bronzes. Hecker's essay deals mainly with Rosso as the founder of his sculptures. It should also be mentioned that this exhibition does not intend to deceive the viewer by including posthumous casts as some have claimed. Hecker devotes more than two pages of her essay to this issue (pp. 60-62). Rosso authorized the posthumous reproduction of some of his works, and Hecker convincingly shows that these pieces are, in fact, part of "the sculptor's legacy and intention." (p. 62) Including them in the exhibition gives the viewer another dimension of Rosso's work and technique to consider.

Finally, Hecker does not deny that Rosso was interested in the dematerialization of the subject. Her particularly thoughtful treatment of Rosso's interests attempts to reconcile his need to dematerialize his sculpture and his profound interest and attention to the physical material of his sculpture.

While this exhibition and publication include some superb examples of casts made by the artist, it is full of casts NOT made by the artist. A very confusing presentation which sets Rosso scholarship back 25 years.

If you want to know Rosso as demonstated by his own hand from the standpoint of connoisseurship, pass this publication by. I can recommend to you the following publications as superior references:

1979 Palazzo Della Permanente, Milan
1984 Frankfurter Kunstverein, Steinernes

1985 Galleria Pieter Coray, Lugano
1988 Kent Fine Art, New York
1994 Whitechapel Art Gallery, London
1996 Santiago de Compostela, Spain

It needs to be stated that Rosso not only made his own waxes (with multiple and changing variations), but he also made his own bronzes in his studio experimenting with process and alchemy. Whatever material, Rosso did not make editions, but rather variations as was the later case with Brancusi. Prior to artists such as Marini, I believe Rosso was the first to never conceal the casting process with chasing and lacquer, but rather leave the firescale and residue as an integral aspect of the "impression" of the piece. Further, most of the works were created to be shown with light from one vantage point as demonstrated by the photography he made during the last 20 years of his life. Rosso was concerned with how to dematerialize the subject. He was concerned with light and environment.

Invaluable information, even if you're not going to use the exact roads mentioned.

Use this one as the best planning source available and well worth the small investment.

My brother and I bought this book and used it to plan our biking trip in the Maritimes in 2001, but we weren't too happy with the route selection. Too many of the suggested routes were on main roads that were too busy with traffic. Bike touring is best when you get off the main roads, but this book doesn't help you find them. If you go to PEI, I do recommend that you bike on the clay roads that the book recommends. Don't follow the coastal roads--too much traffic. I like the Maritimes, in spite of this book!

This book was exactly the same as the other book by George, only George's book included more springs. It was somewhat informative, even though all the information is 10 years old. Unfortunately for me, I found a website that has all the same information included in the book, so there really is no need to buy it unless you want all that information in a binding. The most disappointing thing was that no pricing information was included. Mr. Wambach should have realized that the price is one of the most important factors for most people, especially since some springs are $10/day and others cost hundreds. The book was useful in finding things to do in the area, if you can pull yourself away from the pools long enough to do something else. Sure would like to see a guide with the prices included. It would also be fantastic if a newer guide were written.

As a Colorado resident I have been fortunate to have visited several of the larger, more popular area hot springs. My search for new hot springs experiences led me to Wambach's "Touring Colorado Hot Springs." This book is well organized and lists the springs according to the region of Colorado where they are found. The included maps are clear and easy to read. Especially helpful information I found to be the "Best Secluded Locations", "Best Family Locations" and "Best Character Locations" section of the book. I found this book so good that I have now ordered 4 more copies to give as gifts.

We actually used this guide as our main guide through northestern italy. We find some amazing retsuarnts and hotels, ones you wouldn't know from the o utside. Some restaurants you absolutely need to know Italian, it seemed like they never saw a tourist before. The maps in the book are not very good, and don't show most of the places mentioned. Have a very good other, an up-to-date map.

Just one word about the region: super wines, not many you will be able to purchase in the states.

Generally, I've been pleased with this series of books -- they are very useful and informative for a wine lover travelling in any region and we have used them often. However, this book on Northeast Italy does not include the Valpolicella winegrowing region near Verona -- which produces the best red wines in Northeast Italy! It includes other winegrowing areas in the Veneto, so how can they leave out Amarone and Valpolicella?

This is the most comprehensive guide that I have ever seen. I believe that all route books should follow the design and style of this. It definitely puts all others to shame. It is even small enough to carry in your bike bag or pocket. This book is a MUST!

This book really needs to be updated. Due to the publishing date, the trails described are difficult to reach using the directions in the book and the trails do not match the descriptions. For example, the book shows the Burke-Gilman trail ending at 12.5 miles, but it now goes 27+ miles, all the way to Redmond. Similarly, the Green River trail is one of the best trails in the region, but this book hardly mentions it. I like exploring dead ends and getting lost, but updating this book would make it much easier to use.

this book seemed like it would at least have train schedules that would be useful in planning your trip, but while it has a few they are useless. use the swiss or german rail website and rick steves and the lonley planet book to plan your trip, skip this one!

As of yet, I have not journeyed through Europe. My desire when I get there is to go via rail. This is an excellent guide to help you plan you travels through the country. Where to go, where to stay and what to see and do. Since I have yet to go to Europe, I can not attest to this books reliablity. Though from what I have read, seems to be quite insightful and full of help for a visit.

you probably just bought a Eurail pass and are looking for more info how to coordinate your european vacation as far as rail traveling goes. stick to your pass and a basic guide. you do not need this. the timetables are completely off. not one even matched. european train stations are so organized and easy to follow that you don't need a guide to tell you where to find an atm machine, an exchange office or a travel agency. as soon as you step out of the trains you'll clearly see signs directing you to the right places. i never thought it would be so useless, esp. if you are doing a backpacking trip. those day excursions that are sudgested from the "base" cities only direct you to tourist traps. i would avoid buying this book if i had the choice again. stick with a Lonely Planet guide. in my opinion the only publisher that tells like it is. Lonely Planet's Europe on a Shoestring or Let's Go Europe give you most of the info that is provided in this book and way more on top of it. stick to your pass and the timetable that they give you with it. you don't need this book.

I recommend you not buy it unless your interested on only the major cities and express travel (and you're too busy to get the same information from [a website]).
A disappointment in that it has no local train schedules. Earlier Eurail books (1980' and 90's) had much more data on train stations along the way. The fun for me is in staying in a smaller village and catching a 15 -20 minute train to city center to see its churches, museums and architecture. Other than the travel times, this book tells us nothing we don't already know; i.e., for sight seers there are frequent trains(usually every hour-sometimes two)to all major citys....

I bought this book because I had the 1990-91 Edition and wanted updated information. I found the 2001 material to be so similar it was laughable. The base cities are the same, the excursions were the same, the 'how to' information was identical to the edition ten years earlier. I found little if anything to be new, fresh, or informative. The book was a huge disappointment.