Travel Books

...in preparation for my long overdue personal visit to Ireland a number of books including `Last of the Donkey Pilgrims' by Kevin O'Hara (www.kevin-ohara.com) were purchased online through Amazon.com for shipment to the parched distant locale of Doha...another Qatar `Transient', he being a native of Ireland, last 31 August had kindly written an Itinerary of Travel setting off westward from Dublin to Galway, proposing then a sweep about the coastal extremes of Eire on a circuitous route in return to Dublin a fortnight later...

New Zealand born with Great Grandfather Irish ancestry (Co. Tyrone), some years since I had the privilege of living on a long established property in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, created by it's owner `in the manner of England', and on which co-resided an elderly Donkey of much spirited antic, mannerism and personality - an endearing memory remains of that acquaintance in those bygone days, and influenced the choice that the Donkey odyssey would be my final read...my reward was to discover an absorbing chronicle of Kevin's 1979 1800 mile trek around the peripheral coast of Ireland, walking alongside his donkey Missie `Long-Ears' Mickdermott yoked to her cart, and written in 2004, 25 years after the doing...

...an inspired achievement to be applauded, and for me a delight to share the journey by way of an intimately personable published recall of such a grand meander through a land and people of a then traditional lifestyle which soon would substantially fade away into history...Ireland 2008 surpassed my any and every expectation - time and change may have advanced apace since the Nation in attaining EU membership emerged from being a `third world' Country, bringing financial advantage in some quarters and also significantly transforming the landscape and makeup of the populace, but the welcome and essence of the Irish people as acutely portrayed by the innumerable encounters and acquaintances along Kevin O'Hara's wandering way, we found to be very much the same...

...the book and infectious spirit of Missie accompanied us throughout as by car we drove, blessed I must add with only fine weather, our brief excursion along some of the highways and byways that shared partial commonality with the much earlier passage the Donkeyman and his travelling companion together had traipsed many years prior...there were particular moments which brought upon me a quiet smile with vivid memory of what I had read; hearing the call of the Cuckoo at Inishmore and Doolin - boarding the Killimer to Tarbert ferry, then later that same day driving through Abhainn an Ghleanna (running at but a shallow flow) on the road to Slea Head, Missie's obstinant reluctance to go on in chancing upon those two same `obstacles' came to mind...we sought out and had the pleasure of meeting Robert Shannon, mentioned in the book who happily recounted the long ago arrival of Missie in lovely Doolin - affection for Kevin and his roving partner lingers...

...having partaken of the ready welcome, spirit, beauty and abundant joys of Ireland, a return is inevitable - likely to be sooner rather than later I would venture...similarly I am driven to pick up and once more read `Last of the Donkey Pilgrims' - my immense pleasure and appreciation of the Tale at first take will assuredly be all the greater at a second reading, enhanced further by familiarity and insight gained from our recent visit...

Lindsay McLean
Doha, State of Qatar
16 June, 2008

I bought this book on my way out the door on a trip to Ireland, as a friend had recommended it. I read it on the airplane and during quiet moments, and finished it on the way home.
Not only is this book entertaining and well-written, I was amazed by how much I learned about Irish culture and history as I was reading.
It is especially recommended to those traveling to Ireland, but has wide appeal for its insight into human nature, and warm humor.

I enjoy reading about Ireland, and thought this book would be like Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods. The donkey book was much more serious. I liked reading about the different people he encountered, but at times, felt that it was a glossary of names of potential buyers. I did enjoy his time with the travelers. He exemplified the attitudes of the 70's, and I think the book would have been more effective if he had written it 25 years ago. Still, it was a good story.

This is a fun story of a Yank's trip around Ireland with a donkey cart. His trip fulfills his longing to know the land of his forebears, and he wonderfully captures the language and attitudes of the people just before modernity finally arrived full force. Highly recommended!

Kevin's writing draws you into his journey - a remarkable romp around Ireland with a donkey that seems human. I loved it. You could nearly smell the air and see the characters. A magical look at an island that has changed so much in the 25 years since his journey took place. I wanted to be there by his side as he runs into character after character. His book is the next best thing to being there.

I didn't want his journey to end. Alas, time moves on and progress can't be stopped. If only there could be a sequel.

Anyway, it is written in very short, easy to read chapters. Perfect nighttime reading. If you like adventures, humor, self reflection, and interesting characters - read this book. If you have ever been to Ireland and fallen in love with it, this book is a must read. If you live in Ireland now and want a look back at the country as it existed 25 years ago, this book is required reading.

This review is less about the book than about my reaction to the book. If you want a conventional review, please read one of the long, 5-star alternatives.

I liked this book, most of the time. Benanav has what it takes (the youthful illusion of immortality?) to undertake adventures most of us would love to try, if only we had the guts, wherewithall, health, and time. He has the ability to describe his adventures in an engaging, entertaining fashion. When he writes about WHAT happened he is excellent. Unfortunately, when he feels compelled to write about why it happened, what he felt at the time, or the geopolitical meaning of it all - well, read fast. Benanav will develop into a fine writer of travel adventures if he doesn't get himself killed, and if he learns not to preach. He should spend some time reading books by Rory Stewart.

I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book. The author writes well and is engaging in his description of the Sahara and the people he encounters. He also writes to educate the reader about the history of the salt trade and gives a thoughtful analysis of his feelings about his journey. This is a wonderful story about the kind of travel experience few of us will ever have. It also inspired me to explore the history of the countries involved in the salt trade and to research the natural history of the Sahara.

I read "Men of Salt" just a few weeks after returning from Timbuktu. And I thought I had it rough! It's just a brilliant narrative, written in such vivid detail that you really feel that you're there in the heat and dust of the Sahara. Now I'm reading one of the other books that Michael Benanev referenced ("Forbidden Sands" by Richard Trench, another, earlier account of crossing with a salt caravan). I highly recommend "Men of Salt" to real and armchair adventurers everywhere!

This is quite a fun read that exposed me to a world that I never knew about. It's well written and just the right length. It made me think quite a bit about camels, salt, the desert, and how you wipe your bottom with sand while out on a caravan.

This proved to be a very good read- a great insight into the culture of the Saharan people. It was wonderful reading about how the author was able to bond with the azalai, and amazing reading about the tremendous effort and feats it takes to survive there.

Excellent reference guide for trips to and within Alaska by road. We flew a small plane to Alaska and found it very useful once we were on the ground and moving around by car. Information is detailed, well-organized, and unbiased.The Milepost 2008 (Milepost)

The only way to travel the Al-Can and the best way, (short of actually being there), to remember the great state of Alaska!

A little background, we are Air Force and we recently PCSed to Elmendorf, AK. We used the milepost to plan our stops and it was a lifesaver. Everything that you could ever want to know about any route to Alaska, the scenic markers, the stops, even road conditions and pullouts, they are all in there. A must for any traveler.

I bought Milepost 2008 for a friend, so I have not used it myself. However, I was so intrigued by the contents of this book, that I am have developed a strong desire to make the trip. The book is very detailed, and seems to cover everything one needs to know to tour Alaska.

Milepost was invalueable for my Alaska Highway trip.
the only drawback was Williams Lake had little mention and there is a lot of lodging and dining establisments.

Don't even think about going to Pamplona without reading this first!

Ray Mouton's Pamplona: Running the bulls bars and barrios of Sanfermin is the ultimate and undisputable guide to enjoying the best party on the planet.
From where to eat, what to drink and how to run, this amazing read, details everything a novice and a veteran Sanferminner should and must know!

Mouton explains the deep traditions and reasons for the Encierro, or, running of the bulls. Why it exists, and why people by the millions continue to flock to the most amazing experience in the world.

The book recounts several experiences and stories surrounding this wondrous event, and covers in detail absolutely everything including the running, the Corridas (bull fights), the parades, the ceremonies and all the festivities that make up Sanfermin.

At the core of the book is Mouton's passion for the event.
Readers will be mesmerized by the description of beauty and sometimes horror that fills every page and will feel as though they are in the heart of the festival itself, even though they remain in the comfort of their reading chair.

Anyone even entertaining the slightest thought as too participating in this life-changing experience must read this book.

I read it twice before participating in my first Sanfermin, and I can honestly say that it made my trip not only perfect, but incredible and amazing!
I ran with the bulls several times, I ate the most amazing meals, drank the most delicious drinks and met the most interesting and fabulous people all thanks to Mouton's book.
His advice and stories made my experience far more incredible because I arrived in Pamplona knowing exactly what to expect and knew what I needed to do to make the experience perfect!

So sit back and let the amazing descriptions of Mouton wash over you like a warm comforting bath.
I defy you not to go to Pamplona after reading this book!

This book is an excellent account of what exactly happens during the Festival of San Fermin at Pamplona. It is a first hand guide of the day by day events of the festival including the historical figures of bullfighting. A must read for those planning to go to Pamplona someday or those with the curiosity of the event.

I truely enjoyed this book. Someday I will get there and also live the legend of this city that Ernest made popular- though it was doing just fine without him.

Good writing takes you to a place you have not been before and Ray Mouton does it with this book.

The best book ever written about Sanfermines, the festival of San Fermin known to many as the running of the bulls. This truly is a guide to Fiesta. No other work published will better educate and prepare you for this event. A well written must for all who plan on attending and immersing themselves in the spirit of Fiesta.

Held each year in Pamplona, Spain in July, Sanfermines is much more than the daily spectacle of the encierros or "the running of the bulls" early each morning and much more than the corrida de toros in the Plaza de Toros late each afternoon. The fiesta is a celebration of family and life in Navarra.

Fiesta belongs to the Navarrans, and has for centuries; however the gracious citizens of Iruña (Basque for Pamplona) have opened their arms to the people of the world, inviting all to participate in what has often been described as one of the most exhilarating experiences on planet earth.

Of course you should read Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises", however if you buy only one book before heading to Sanfermines, it should be Ray Mouton's "Pamplona: Running the Bulls, Bars and Barrios in Fiesta de San Fermin."

Whilst unavoidably orientated to North American aficionados this is a brilliant book which goes behind the scenes to tell the story of why thousands are drawn back to Pamplona from all corners of the world for 9 days in July. Beautifully presented and written Ray Mouton has done the Festival proud. This publication renders Michener's section in "Iberia" obsolete and brings Pamplona to the contemporary world giving those of Generation Y who are the future long term serious runners a narrative that lives and breathes the Fiesta.

This book is great to have in your collection if you are trying to learn to cook authentic Jamaican food. I am so glad I bought this book.

This is a superb book. Many recipes that I remember from my childhood. I've made a few already and they've all turned out really well.

I use it for everyhting when I can. Its a little hard getting the correct measurments. I love it and should be a a staple in every jamaican household.

I am Jamaican and know how to make some Jamaican dishes, but wanted to learn new recipes. I found this book to be very user friendly with recipes that are well known, as well as some lesser known ones. For the reviewer who said there isn't a recipe for oxtail, may I point you to page 101, right next to the one for curried goat.

Totally what I expect in a cook book from start to finish. It was very user friendly with the vocabulary, history and step by step instructions from the market to the pot. In the end ...authentic Jamaican cuisine. Anyone can use this cook book and enjoy the flavors of Jamaica. This was a hit for me!

I bought 5 of them to give away as Christmas presents!

Amazing and whimsical illustrations take you and Sam Katz all over the world. This book will delight kids and parents alike. Great gift -- be a hero and get one for every kid and cool cat on your list!!!

Frank Radice was my boss on the East Coast and had sent me a poster Charles Fazzino had illustrated for the Daytime Emmy's in Los Angeles. I loved his artwork and Frank told me to check out the book which I then promptly bought. I really loved the story, especially since I personally know Sami Katz and the pop-up illustrations are amazing. I just recently gave the book as a gift to the daughter of good friends for her birthday.

This pop=up book, beautifully illustrted by Carles Fazzino, is very charming. Using works of art, it tells the stry of a cat named Sam Katz who travels through the house in which he lives. The illustrations, by the well known artist Charles Fazzino, really make this book the charmer that it is. I certainly woild recommend the book to any one who loves cats, art and clean fun.

This book has become her absolute favorite! I have read it to her countless times! Very cute story and bright beautiful illustrations! This a wonderful book to add to your little ones collection! We would love to see another book about Sam Katz adventures!!

I'm flying to Europe alone with my 18 mo old daughter next month and I found this book to be a great help in preparing for the trip. It contains a lot of useful information, tips, and things I would've completely overlooked had I not read this book.

If you have kids, and like to travel... you need this book. There were so many ideas there that I would have never thought of. It has made our lives easier when traveling and I've learned some really helpful things. It's hard to travel with small kids, especially if you're a new parent and just have no idea what to expect. So for me this has really been a great find!

Ok I know the title of the book is Travels with Baby, but it also says toddlers, and children. And truly did not tell me anything I didn't already know. Now if you are a first time mom, who has never traveled with a baby up to age 2, then sure its probably very helpful, especially if you have never had any advice from anyone else. Though it was how ever informational on, how to obtain passports, now that we (the) parents are no longer together, what you need to do. It also had lists of contact info on where to rent baby/ child items, like strollers, carseats, for traveling where you dont want to bring all that stuff, which can be rather helpful, so I give it 3 stars, for being semi-helpful!

Seriously, this is a travel bible for new parents. What a huge help this book has been from selecting a good stroller (wished we would have found this BEFORE we had our baby for car seat info too!) to calling ahead to find out if a hotel has a crib saving our trunk space from a pack and play or other. Prepping the diaper bag and carry ons have never been simpler and I have memorized the shopping list for baby must haves while traveling. Never would have thought of some of that stuff! The blog is excellent too. Please give this gift to new mommies and daddies with your baby shower gift...I am so grateful for the different age sections and different types of travel reviews. Thank you Ms. Rivoli!

I am about to travel to Europe for 2 weeks (cruise for part of the time) with my 7 month old and I found this book to be very useful. It had ideas that I would not have considered and I am now much less stressed about the trip. It seems very realistic about what to expect and what to pack and she also does not ignore the fact that no matter how prepared you are going to be, things will still not go as planned and you must be flexible. She gives great tips for these types of situations. Would recommend to anyone about to travel with baby and/or toddlers. Very easy read and easy to reference when necessary.

I got this book because of the reviews. But after reading it
I had a few problems with the story. Things happen super fast between Michael & Libby. One minute Michael and Libby meet (hardly any conversation between the two) and the next he is in her bed in the middle of the night and she's ok with it, and so it goes with things happening between this two that hardly know anything about one anoher but act like they've know eachother for years (no explanation as how they got to that point). The dialogue between the two falls flat. I felt no connection between the two. It was almost boring.

I loved this book and all the "Highlander" books!! Janet Chapman is an excellent author..

I read the fourth book in the series first, as it was a current release and I didn't realize at the time of purchase it was a series. I was hooked and had to purchase all of the series. These books can stand alone, but it was also an excellent series that I would recommend.

A little insite in to the book would be nice. A small peice to read to get a feel for the book and so it would help in my decision on buying. But since i read a book by Janet Chapman before; I knew that this would be just as good as the other. When I read her books it is like a movie playing in my head while i read, because i can picture all of it. wonderfully inviting.

I just discovered Janet Chapman and I will now look for every one of her books. This is a great tale about living in the Maine woods (something about which I am familiar) and I loved every page. I had been seeing her books and not getting them, because I was kind of 'done' with the historical Scots, but I accidentally discovered that these books were about modern life (sorta) and that changed everything I felt about the whole series of books. Get them! They are great!

I encourage anyone who dreams of traveling to read: Wondrous Journey by Dean Jacobs. I felt like I was on the journey with him and he reignited the flame of my inner gypsy. Dean writes in a warm and touching way that warms the heart. He also writes with such humor that I found myself laughing aloud. The pictures were awesome and his description of the spiritual pilgrimage he found himself on stirred my soul. I love a book that has such an open honesty about it. I love a book that makes you think about deeper things like, Where is God in my life? One day I will take a journey of my own, but until then, I know I can journey with Dean and let the gypsy within continue to live.

The book Wondrous Journey, by Dean Jacobs, gave me the desire to go out into the world and see how people act and what the world looks like outside of America. Sometimes I watch movies or read books about people around the world who are not nice. After reading about Dean's experiences, however, I realize that people are actually very friendly. Many of the people Dean met even provided their homes for him. This book also showed me more of what the world was like outside of America. There are so many amazing things I didn't know about before I read this book. You should read this book and find out more about the world too.

Reading the book Wondrous Journey by Dean Jacobs helped me, and maybe you after you read this review, learn about the real people in our world, not just the people the newspapers tell us about. The people Dean met often had very little, but could offer so much. Many opened their doors to Dean and let him stay in there homes. They were very kind and gracious to him even if their country's government didn't agree with ours (U.S.A.).

Dean learned that people work hard all over the world to support their families. Many people work 10 hours a day, seven days a week and still get paid very little. Even though the people work hard, they still like to have fun. Dean found this out when he started to teach the children in Indonesia to play the hokie pokie and the adults started joining in. This game was one of many ways Dean connected with people on his journey. After reading Dean's book, I am inspired to travel the world to make my own connections with the people who live in it.

Wonderous Journey allows the reader a glimpse into the heart and depth of a man searching for something greater than himself. Written in easy-to-read prose, Dean describes his adventures with humor and compassion during his 22 1/2 month journey around the world.

Although the pretense of the book is a chronology of his day-to-day travels and is in itself an engaging read, the book delves further into the spirit of the man on the journey. By traveling around the world, Dean encounters people and places that offer him the challenges and diversity he is unable to find in the doldrums of everyday life in corporate America. Dean chooses not to stay in the four-star hotels, but instead gets to the heart of the common people and thereby comes to know his own.

The photographs contained in the book serve as a pictorial documentation of the beauty and diversity of the 28 different countries and cultures Dean discovers during his short time in each.

I would recommend Dean's book to anyone who has the desire to step past that which is commonplace and have the courage to go beyond it. For those who wish to travel and for those who wish to dream, Wonderous Journey fulfills both.

My daughter and I read this book together and this is what she has to say (she is nine years old).
"It was the best book I ever read! It had so many interesting, funny, and adventurous stories. My favorite was when his truck got stuck in the mud in Africa.The book has a picture section too! It includes: tazmanian devils, kangaroos, African sunsets, water falls, and much more."
Megan Arnold
Ohio

If you like to travel and love history then you will greatly appreciate this excellent resource. This book provides information on the best Living History destinations in the United States from prehistory to the early 1840s. Instead of organizing the locations by particular area of the United States the authors have chosen to organize them by significant historical groupings. Examples of these groupings include a section on America's native peoples, one on religious and secular groups, one on the road to independence, and one on opening the West.

Most destinations have between a half page and a full-page description of the location, its historical significance, and interesting facts about the location or a related history. The book is filled with excellent color photographs that give the reader a solid feel for what to expect. This is one of the most invaluable resources I have ever found for planning a trip focused on American history and the historical significance of various areas of the United States. Americans Living History is very highly recommended.

Say the words "road trip" and "history" and I get excited. Suzanne & Craig Sheumaker have written a wonderful guide book for people who love living history sites and museums. I've been to most of the places described in Virginia and I can say that they got their descriptions absolutely correct.

I especially liked the photos. Most guide books have no pictures or annoy me with dinky little artsy drawings. When I'm in a car looking for something I don't want a drawing.

The Sheumakers seem to really love what they do and their enthusiasm comes though in each chapter. I've always scorned the Jamestown Settlement and prefered to head to the real Jamestown down the road but after reading the Sheumakers section on it I think I'll give it a try.

I particularly enjoyed the way that they split the book up. If you are interested in sites from the Spanish colonization years or the French or of course the English you can find chapters that deal just with that particular period. If you want to understand more about Indian life they have an exceptionally good section of sites dedicated to America's earliest settlers. Be sure to check out the Cherokee villiage in North Carolina. The book also talks about the Catholics, the Jews, Amish, Moravian, Shakers, Quakers and Mormons who came to America and the living history sites they left behind.

If the Revolutionary period is what interests you most they have a chapter on sites to visit. If the sites of the new nation are your thing then they have a chapter for you. This is really a delightful book and is such a good travel companion I'd say that the best thing to do is to buy two copies. One for the coffee table and one to keep in the car. I hope this is the begining of a new series.

What can you expect from America's Living History-The Early Years? Definitely not just another "coffee table" book! The stunning photographs may catch your eye, but you'll want to pick up this book and use it.

Have you ever wanted to visit the historic Jamestown site in Virginia? You can view hundreds of artifacts discovered from the first permanent settlement there.

Do you remember the story about Washington crossing an icy river to attack British forces? Been to the place it happened? Did you know that every year on Christmas Day, hundreds of re-enactors cross the river to commemorate this Revolutionary War triumph?

Know where you can find incredible Native American petroglyphs? Sites in New Mexico and Nevada are mentioned in this book.

Readers will find the answers to innumerable questions about early American life in this book. Whether readers are interested in a day trip close to home or going cross-country, this is a great resource.

From the plains to the coast, Alaska to Hawaii, nearly every state is represented in this guide. With three hundred destinations featured, a history buff or interested traveler couldn't ask for more.

The authors have done a great job with tasteful and applicable photographs. They accent pages filled not just with contact information (although it's there for your reference) but with interesting facts, too. The book is separated into categories, including: America's Native Peoples, European Colonization, Road to Independence, and more. It also features destinations lists by region, to help you plan adventures if you are on a trip.

The authors have obviously done their homework and it shows in this wonderful resource.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.

We are history buffs at home--both of us grew up in historic areas. Trips to Gettysburg, Independence Hall, The Old North Church and Washington, DC were in our childhood experiences. You could hardly take a daytrip without seeing some of America's oldest treasures. So we as children enjoyed historical sites and we still stop for historical markers as a habit when we are out touring any area.


For people with similar tastes or who have children to educate, this is a wonderful resource. Some of the well-known and lesser known historical sites all over the US that date from the early years are laid out in a travel guide format.


The book is organized by popular sites, subjects like religious movements, colonization, the Western movement, and the Revolutionary War and the times leading up to this watershed event. Each historical site has photographs, address and phone number and a synopsis of what is available for touring. The geographical maps show towns or cities of interest. The only thing missing would be day trip routes in some of the more densely-historical areas (Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, New Jersey.)



But there are also timelines and write-ups of the history of the times (the Shakers, the Mormons, the battles of the Revolution and War of 1812, and the early contact with Native Americans.) So the book is not just a "what to see" but has important background and a good if brief overview of early American history.

After I read this book, I immediately wanted to go see at least a half a dozen sites I had not visited that are not really very far from my, and added a list of places I want to see next time I'm out West.


This is a very pretty book and one that home schoolers would find absolutely a treasure. My parents took us on endless daytrips on weekends and these are some of my fondest memories of childhood. If you have kids and an automobile, I'd put this book on the "must-have" list because you can build some excellent memories and give your kids a fine sense of where we came from as a nation. Big thumbs-up and I eagerly await more in this series.

Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker have created an incredible resource for people looking to vacation in the United States in places where history lives. They profile 300 living history sites in the United States that cover American history from the time when Native Americans had empires and confederations to the 1840's. The Sheumakers provide excellent cross-references to aid people planning a living history vacation. However, this book is more than just a guide for people looking for an excellent place to vacation; this book is also a wonderful history book with factual tidbits sprinkled throughout.

The beginning of this book provides maps of the profiled locations. These maps also divide the sites into categories described later in the book (more on that in a moment). Thus, if your focus is on European colonization and you are interested in traveling to the mid-Atlantic or the South, you will be able to quickly find the sites that are focused on this aspect of history.

The Sheumakers organized this book into six historical categories; America's Native Peoples, European Colonization, Religious & Secular Groups, Road to Independence, Our New Nation, and Opening the West. Each section is color coded to more easily locate them on the previously described maps. Even better, each section has dozens of photographs, typically one per site, along with location information, fee information, and, perhaps best of all, the best available web site for the location. In addition, the Sheumakers sometimes recommend the best time of year to see special events and they typically provide information regarding the historical significance of the site.

I have checked several of the sites recommended by the Sheumakers to see how accurate their information is. Consider Cahokia Mounds, in Illinois, described on page 38 of this book. There are two photographs. One photograph is of the largest mound on the site. The other is a photograph of a walk-through diorama available at the interpretive center. The Sheumakers include several pieces of information about the history of the site and its significance (a small portion of what you can learn at the site). Their information regarding the location of Cahokia Mounds matches the direction provided on the highways east of St. Louis, Missouri. The fee information is also correct (free), though the interpretive center suggests a $1 donation per person. The only flaw I found in the Sheumaker's description of this site is that they neglected to mention the miles of walking trails on the site.

Other sites contain similar accuracy. I looked at Spring Mill Pioneer Village in Indiana, which is a wonderful place to visit (though sometimes it gets very busy). Historic St. Charles, Missouri is yet another wonderful place to visit, if you can avoid the distraction of the gigantic casino that is nearby. Ft. Osage in Sibley, Missouri, has been a popular destination for the nearby residents of Kansas City, Missouri, for decades.

If there is a flaw in this book, it is that space limited the Sheumakers to only 300 destinations. There are many more living history places in the United States. However, the Sheumakers certainly picked many of the very best places from the era before the 1840's. Perhaps if this book is successful, they can write a follow-up book titled "More of America's Living History."

This book is a phenomenal resource for people planning a vacation or seeking a starting point for a history paper. Teachers and other educators may wish to explore one of the living history sites near your school. You may just want to take a day trip to one of these sites. All of them are worth at least a day trip and some of them require days to fully explore.

Traveler's guides seem to be a dime-a-dozen these days. Everyone is competing for shelf space and your attention. The Sheumakers have a unique approach, eschewing typical tourist attractions for those that focus on our (United States) history. It would be a mistake to call these sites tourist attractions, because many of them contain on-going historical research. For example, excavations continue at Cahokia Mounds. Regardless of your need, this beautiful, full-color book is a wonderful as a resource, a coffee-table book, or even just to read - I started it and could not put it down. Whatever your need or goal, if you appreciate the history of the United States and you are seeking an opportunity to immerse yourself further in that history, you need this book.

This review is based on a copy of the book provided to me by the authors.

Enjoy!