Travel Books

This just might be the most awesome book about my hometown of NYC. The artwork is fabulous and this book is put together so well. Its shown me things I never saw. I think being a tourist in your own town is great.

I'll disregard the book's one glaring omission--Saarinen's TWA Terminal at JFK is not included--and give it a five. Well written.

and come back and sit and look at this book.

Bet you missed a lot on each street.

Then go out again and do it all over.

A real treat.

The title might have been 1,000 of the BEST buildings in New York City. No city in America, and few the world over, contain the mind-boggling ensemble of outstanding urban architecture, both historic and modern, as does New York City. This city is a national and world treasure, and all of Manhattan SHOULD be a UNESCO World Heritage site, but, alas... There's simply no comparison possible. This book is a survey of 1,000 outstanding structures in the city, properly chosen in my opinion, each including a black & white photograph and short descriptive essay. With so much wonderful material from which to choose, the book is a real feast of architectural goodness! Because it isn't as exhaustive as White & Willensky, it is more thorough in coverage of the selected buildings. It's well put together. Good buildings. Nice photography. Well written short essays. Covers the five boroughs well.

America's peninsular cities; San Francisco, New York, Charleston and Boston also happen to contain the best architecture. Hmm...

Every once in a while I'll walk down a street of my busy city and spot a building that I'd never seen before, or, if I had seen it, never paid it much mind. But something about it--its age or its architecture--tells me that there's a story to be told about it. Judith Dupre, Bill Harris, and photographer Jorg Brockmann in their monumental book, "One Thousand New York Buildings", fill in the gaps left behind in the AIA books.

There are hundreds of buildings that, for whatever reason, have escaped landmark status and/or the attention of New Yorkers. Although "One Thousand New York Buildings" does discuss the familiar structures, like the Empire State Building, the Woolworth Building, and Grand Central Station, it also devotes equal time to those that have been ignored or overlooked. What are those tiny, Colonial style houses on Harrison and Greenwich Streets? How old is that building at 2 White Street? Who lived in those somber buildings at 130-132 MacDougal Street? "One Thousand New York Buildings" answers these and hundreds of other questions. In this sense, this book is much like "New York Streetscapes: Tales of Manhattan's Significant Buidlings and Landmarks" by Christopher Gray and Suzanne Braley, in as much as it pays equal tribute to the famous and not so famous structures.

One last note, this is a solidly put together book. The binding is sturdy, the paper thick and glossy, and the photos are clear and intriguing. It as well constructed as the buildings they pay homage to.

What a journey! A thrill ride to other worlds- your world? Our guide, Susan, fillets her true-self for all to feast as she allows us to experience her emotion, vulnerability, and STRENGTH. This book opened my mind, engaged my imagination, and gave me hope... What a gem!

This book is like a guide through one's own personal reality into the subconscious and beyond into hidden worlds, like dreams, and many other altered states. Fascinating concepts on time and no time, reincarnation, karma, life choices, and even death and spirits. This book is above and beyond because it frees one to open their minds to encompass the scope of life beyond what we understand without adhering to any particular belief system. It is kind of like the more you open, the richer your life becomes. The whole book gives you an 'ah hah!' kind of feeling, a sense of constantly being enlightened. A good book to read over and over.

I am reading this book for the third time. It is SO packed with incredible insights and usable thought processes I was folding most every page so I could go back for reference. It was very well received at our womens' health fair in clinic. Kalior is my new favorite author, I have read all 4 of her books. Some fantasy, all life enriching.

This book is a most soulfully interwoven journey the dives deeply into the adventure of self-exploration. It reflects all of life's internal issues on multiple levels and is cram packed with plenty of real substance. A very courageous book to steps out of the norm and yet is delivered in the most delightful way. It's brilliant!


This writer Susan truly has an amazing gift!

Linda Post

This is an extremely amazing book. It takes you on a very deep journey of love and life. Very inspirational. Susan did a wonderful job on this. Thank you.

There is a lot of good information in this book, but most of it can be found toward the beginning. The tips on predicting the weather alone could be worth the price of the book. However, the maps of the various waterways were absolutely terrible. I would recommend this book for a general overview and lots of tips and tricks for paddlers, and the two "Canoeing and Kayaking the Streams of Florida" guides for detailed information on specific waterways.

Well, I've typed this twice, I think. Anyway, the writer has a good sense of humor, and I'd like to paddle with her sometime. Each chapter has a story to go with it, from Indian history to digging fossils to fishing to how NOT to cook on a week long canoe camping trip.

I'll use this book often.

I found the book "Paddler's Guide" easy to find ones way around in through a well organized index. The locations that I looked up i.e. Chassahowitzka and Weeki Wachie rivers had all the info that one could possible need to set off on a paddle.
Very important though is to read first the initial chapters on Tips for Paddling. Their is a wealth of information in this book. Congratulations.

After much looking around, this is the first book I actually bought. Its got very detailed, practical information on most of the waterways, but doesn't even mention some beautiful rivers that I've paddled in the central area of the state. While the text was excellent, I found the maps to be confusing and lacking in detail about ramps and access roads, compared to my personal knowledge of the roads and waterways of some areas. Its one of the most recently written books on this subject, so the information is probably the most current. It is not just a dry info book, but includes humorous stories about paddling and camping, altho the author writes as if she would enjoy the outdoors much more without all that pesky wildlife! Still, I highly recommend this book for planning your next outing.

The lady who wrote this book must be a lot of fun to paddle with. Her dry humor shows up in every chapter. I'd like to meet her in person.
Besides a great deal of advice about problems specific to Florida, she gives a number of safety tips. I almost felt like I was being mothered.
Obviously an experienced writer, Sandy Huff has a story to tell about each destination, ranging from history to botany to birding to how NOT to cook while camping. I also intend to put a stick of hot glue and a book of matches in my emergency kit from now on.
Very enjoyable reading, and probably the most comprehensive where-to book ever pubished for canoers and kayakers about Florida waters. I'll go back to this book often

As I read Mr Menzies, book I felt like I was there myself. I was a ghostly visitor as he gathered these stories.
The photos that accompany the stories tell their own tales; beautifully and descriptively done.
Perhaps you will feel as I did, after reading this book, that it is long past time to load your own orange VW bus and take your own journey ... Passing Through.

Mr. Menzies book of his travels through Nevada and the people he meets along the way is simply stunning. Once I started reading his book, I could not put it down. The author's story-telling ability allows you, as the reader, to feel as if you are there during his conversations. Having lived in Wendover as a boy,(a town that the author visits frequently) and visited many of the same places that Richard writes about, I regret that I didn't take the time to meet some of these unique people. Thankfully there are people like Mr. Menzies who have taken the time to meet, befriend, photograph, and write about them. So, get the book, climb in his VW bus, take a ride, and meet some very interesting folks.

It's about time Richard published a book like this! Ya see, I've been through the desert in his orange '73 VW bus, and he has so many stories about so many people. He isn't just passing through. He has made his mark on many of us. Buy this book, take an existential journey to your sofa, and enjoy the stories, the people, the photos, and especially the personality of the author.

The Great Basin between the cities is wide-open nothingness and misfits who reside there, like International Ranger Floyd Eaton and the legless Stanley Gurcze, are just specks. But these desert dwellers have plenty of time to contemplate the big questions and their lives are deeper than those of us city-dwellers as a result. I thought I was the only person who travelled to places like Ophir, Faust and Lakepoint just to see what and who was there, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Menzies has been making the same journeys to nowhere in his Volkswagon bus for decades. Passing Through is the result. I love it.

Back when I was young lad one of my favorite things to do during desert camping expeditions was assemble my ancient army cot and sleep under a glorious blanket of stars. Before dozing off I'd attempt to scratch my way through the airwaves of a portable AM radio in search of CBS Mystery Theater. The combination of the cool desert air, the twinkling stars and listening to the story on the radio is one of my fondest memories. When my attempts to find Mystery Theater were unsuccessful I'd strap a flashlight to my head and read ANYTHING by John McPhee. Now I have finally found something to replace John McPhee. Passing Through by Richard Menzies is a worthy addition to my library of superb storytelling. Menzies, like McPhee, is a master storyteller, but unlike McPhee, Menzies includes a fantastic photograph with every tale to further enhance his stories. Menzies has a knack for compact illustrative writing that makes the reader feel like they are in the story rather than reading about it. Maybe the unassuming photographs are his trick. I'm really not sure how Menzies does it. Turn off your television; get a copy of Passing Through and you'll magically be transported to Menzies' world of real, genuine, unvarnished human beings. The only thing better than reading Passing Through is to hear him in person. FIVE big `ol stars.

The PassPorter for DCL was very, very helpful for my family and me. They pretty much have all the answers in here to any question that you might have about DCL and cruising in general. The maps and planning how-to s made me feel like an old hand from the minute we arrived at the terminal until we disembarked. Between the print version, the free online updates and the passporter.com web forum, you have all the info you need to plan out a great cruise, including OBJECTIVE reviews of the shore excursions and the activities available onboard. DCL has so much going on at every hour (without casinos) for cruisers with and without children, you have to have a good idea ahead of time what you want to do and when, and we would not have had nearly as much fun (I am sure) if we did not have our PassPorter to guide us!

I found the passporter to be very helpful in planning our vacation. A year and a half ago I used the Disney Vacation Passporter and it was VERY helpful, even giving a few tips to make our trip MAGICAL (ask about riding in the front of the monorail). So it was only natural that this time as we plan our Disney Cruise Vacation, I would purchas the Passporter's Disney Cruise Line. Again, I found this book to be VERY helpful in planning this vacation. I feel very prepared for when we finally board the Disney Cruise Ship. I feel as though I know some of the ins and outs, as well as what to expect for many parts of our trip. I would recommend any of the Passporter's books when planning any kind of Disney Vacation. I'm VERY pleased with the information contained in the book.

This is THE book that Disney should include for free with your cruise. Everything you need to know for the cruise is included. The book includes highlighted chapter tabs to quickly find a section of the book. As a second-time cruiser, I found the book to have great tips for things I didn't do on the first cruise. Highly recommended.

I love this series of books. The authors are very thorough and detailed. This is a great book and will help you plan out a wonderful vacation!

Everyone who wants to take a cruise on the Disney Wonder or the Disney Magic should read this book. It is much better than the Birnbaum's Disney Cruise Line book. I highly recommend this book!!

Pennsylvania Wilds is a thick, hardcover coffee-table-sized book filled to the brim with beautiful photography of the Allegheny National Forest region in Pennsylvania. From bear prints, to snow scenes, to serene waterscapes, and colorful characters, this book is a pictorial vacation getaway.

But Pennsylvania Wilds is more than a vacation--it also contains script telling you about the region and its history, even delving into some scientific facts. For those who live in Pennsylvania, the book is a great state study book for homeschoolers. For those who live elsewhere, but are interested in other states or are just looking for a great place to travel to, then this is a book sure to whet your appetite for experiencing the panoramic landscape views in person.

I thoroughly enjoyed thumbing through Pennsylvania Wilds and in fact looked through it several days before writing the review. My only complaint is that some of the scientific fact included in the book is evolution-based and not creationism.

Included at the back of the book is a CD with more information about Pennsylvania and even more pictures, though some are the same as in the book. Although the price is a bit high, I recommend this book for those interested in Pennsylvania and photography.

Armchair Interviews says: If you are just an armchair traveler, this book is sure to fill some travel needs.

I loved this book because it shows some beautiful areas of the country that alot of people may never get to see. Me, I just have to go outside my cabin and I'm there!! The photography is great, showing me areas that I haven't even seen.
Time was taken in putting this book together and it shows!!!

A Southern California transpant, every time I pick up "Pennsylvania Wilds: Images from the Allegheny National Forest," I feel like I'm home again. What a wonderful tribute to the beauty of northwestern Pennsylvania. The photographs capture the heart and soul of the forest region, and the story gives the rich detail of area's history. This one is definitely a getter--and a keeper!

"Beauty," says the poet, "is a joy forever." That being said, beauty alone might be incentive for buying this book.

The photographs in "Pennsylvania Wilds" are, indeed, beautiful. And the accompanying text is equally attractive. You might purchase this book and return to it time and again and find much enjoyment in its contents--more than might be found in your ordinary coffee table book.

But there's much more to this book than just something nice to peruse.

It's a tribute to the Allegheny National Forest, the only one in the commonwealth and a genuine treasure. Established in 1923, the 513,000 acre forest is a monument to conservation and a source of pride for all Pennsylvanians. It's a boon to recreation, tourism and the economy.

For those who haven't visited, or are unable to, this book offers a wonderful introduction to the area's history and attractions. And, after viewing the images and text, there are undoubtedly going to be more people including it in their travel plans.

There are gems of history in this book--about the Seneca, the lumbering and oil booms; Thomas Kane, reputed to be the first Pennsylvanian to enlist and who organized the famous Bucktails regiment in the Civil War; the legacy of the nation's first tree plantation and environmental pioneers like Joseph Rothrock and Gifford Pinchot.

Ed Bernik, a veteran commercial photographer, has captured an outstanding collection of images of the forest and its inhabitants. Lisa Gensheimer, a documentary producer and writer whose work has appeared nationwide on public television stations, lucidly outlines the history and color of the region.

As an added bonus, purchasers of the book also receive a Forest Companion CD complete with map, travel guide and additional reasons to visit the region.

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (6/06)

This beautiful coffee table book, with narrative by Lisa Gensheimer and photographs by Ed Bernik, takes the reader/viewer on a spectacular journey through the Allegheny National Forest from its creation to the present. Both the author and the photographer capture the mystifying world of nature and people, not only the wonders of the landscape but the personalities of the inhabitants.

"Pennsylvania Wilds" gives a historical overview of the Allegheny National Forest beginning 375 million years ago when the area was a warm inland sea. Grensheimer explains the evolution from water to land that occurred over time as well as provides a map of glacial deposits. She also writes about the archaeological findings of pre-historic cultures as well as Native American inhabitants, the settling by Europeans, and the shift to modern times. Today's residents are "people who live in the shadows of the trees [and] are as strong and resilient as the forest itself. They are independent thinkers - creative entrepreneurs who find in the forest a source of sustenance, inspiration, and at the end of the day, quiet solitude." (p.37)

Greshneimer puts together the history and the present lives of people in a short, concise narrative interspersed with historical and recent photographs. However, this is just a prelude for what is to come in the rest of the book. The "Images from the Allegheny National Forest" are spectacular! Pages from 45 to 135 are filled with incredible photographs that the reader can get lost in for hours. From the weathered faces of the residents to the flora of the forest, from the debris left in the field to the places of worship, from paved roads to a heritage mural...it's all there. As a bonus, inside the back cover is a CD with a travel guide, map, screensaver, and more than 50 reasons to visit the area.

It's hard for me to put into words what I got out of this "Pennsylvania Wilds" because every aspect of it touched a different cord in me. First of all, I love the cover - I could almost smell the moss on the forest floor. Secondly, the feel of the pages were very inviting. The short history and transition into the present gave me a very broad overview of the area. And, then there were the photographs! Incredible!

Yes, this book is very witty and very easy to read. I am en route to France for a year next year as an American exchange student, and I found this book to be very helpful for every aspect of the process--except I wish she added more information like "Why did she switch host families?" and about school. She barely mentioned anything about homework, the lycée, or anything like that. But I loved everything else about the book. It was intriguing and exciting. And also, it's a very nice quick read. If you are, going to be, or was an exchange student, this book is a must-have. Anther book I recommend is The Exchange Student Survival Kit. Au revoir!

I am planning on studying abroad to France in 2003 and this book has helped me out in many ways. It told me exactly what I need to know before I go, how the French people are, the school system, and it gave me encouragement. Just reading about how she doesn't regret going makes me want to go even more. I just wished she would have added more about how to handle so much school! Anyway, this book is great to read, even if you aren't planning on going to France. It has a lot of interesting facts that I could never imagine possible. Great book.

The moment I saw this book in the bookstore, I knew I had to get it because Megan did what I have always wanted to do: be an exchange student in another country. This book is just so charming, delightful, and cute. I finally was able to be an exchange student this summer in a Spanish speaking country, and while I was not gone a whole academic year but only for a couple of weeks, I always had this book by my side because so many things were the same. So if you have ever been an exchange student before/hosted one in America, or are going too I recomend this book right away, and if you are just looking for a good book to read you'll have a ball.

On the cover of this book, the publisher exudes, "A delightfully irresistible, charming account of a young American girl's year abroad." For once, this kind of description is actually an understatement. Yes, the book is in fact "delightfully irresistible" and truly charming. But the writing is also exceptionally limpid and evocative and betrays an exceptional maturity and talent. Megan McNeill Libby gives us beautifully impressionistic portraits of France, the French, and her very personal struggles, disasters, and triumphs. Her depiction of the French is extraordinarily perceptive and from my own experience living in France totally accurate. At times, I laughed until I cried; more frequently, I caught myself involuntarily smiling and nodding in agreement. But the deeper reward of reading this book is simply seeing the way that Ms. Libby writes and thinks. She is one of those rare authors with whom one falls in love after (no, during) a single reading. I am normally sparing with my praise, but I readily admit to being a gourmand for this book. Merci bien, Megan, and please give us more!

The author of Postcards from France, Megan Libby, was just 16 when she went to France in 1994 as your typical AFS student. But she wasn't typical: she had her eyes wide open and was able to record, in a series of letters and postcards sent back home, what a humbling experience it is to be a newcomer in another culture. By turns comedic, touching, insightful, and revealing, Postcards from France is always refreshing - and it's highly likely this talented young author will go on to write more books that will be a pleasure to read.

I consider myself an environmentalist, living off the grid, and in the past I have been clearly unwilling to consider anything with the word nuclear. Having read this book, Tom patiently, and with wit, clarifies options, costs, and consequences of this multifaceted issue in understandable, layman language. Thank you Tom. Seriously, if it were possible to be the first in our very rural northern california county to be able to build an IFR and produce huge amounts of clean, safe energy and be totally electric with not having to pay one more penny for gas/oil would make me the happiest person imaginable. I encourage everyone to read this book. It can save us, our children, and the planet.

WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK!

"PRESCRIPTION FOR THE PLANET" BY TOM BLEES INTRODUCES US TO REVOLUTIONARY NEW CONCEPTS THAT WILL PRODUCE ENOUGH ENERGY FOR EVERYONE IN THE WORLD.......AND IT IS A GREAT READ.!

WE LEARN ABOUT A SOURCE FOR ABUNDANT, CHEAP, NON-POLLUTING ENERGY FOR VEHICLES, AND A NEW TYPE OF SAFE NUCLEAR PLANT THAT BURNS NUCLEAR WASTE AS FUEL. HE ALSO INTRODUCES THE CONCEPT OF USING PLASMA CONVERTERS TO EFFORTLESSLY RECYCLE ALL OUR WASTE PRODUCTS.

"WE MUST THINK ANEW" IS A QUOTE FROM EINSTEIN THAT BEGINS AND UNDERLIES THE BOOKS

Wow! What a book! I was skeptical when I first heard its premise, but after blazing through it (got my first hard copy a few days ago) I have to say, honestly, that this is the first real solution I've heard. Tom Blees's book addresses everything I wanted to know, not just the specific scope of his revolutionary plan, but all the other options being touted around as "solutions" as well. For ANYONE interested in climate change, energy problems, water shortages, global energy wars, or pretty much Earth itself, this book is a MUST READ.

Caution: Once you read this book, you won't be able to not know what's in it anymore. It is likely to permanently change your view of many things indeed, not the least of which is nuclear power, almost no matter what you thought about it before. Personally, I find the way it changed my views on garbage and recycling the most profound. Now when I dispose of some particular nasty destined for a landfill, I feel much less guilty about despoiling the environment, because through plasma technology, all of the landfills we have can potentially be Energy Mines For The Future.

Tom has managed to put together a tidy synthesis of complex concepts and ideas, much of which has obviously been derived from many and various technical disciplines. But I doubt whether a specialist in any of these fields could have created such a reasonable, readable and compelling presentation - comfortably tempered by the author's imaginative but logical extrapolations, and his sometimes cynical and irreverent humour.

Everyone needs to read this book!

Prescription for the Planet: The Painless Remedy for Our Energy & Environmental Crises

Like many another progressive, I had long held an apprehension of nuclear power as sheer anathema. Scary! But Blees's book made such a convincing case in favor of the nuclear solution that I now feel we should at least devote careful pondering to its possibilities. The book is very well written, and, dealing with all our primary fears, has answers both surprising and, uh, soothing. The gist of the book's position pivots on the revelation that technology has advanced to such a degree that the fearful aspects have dissolved and offer a stunning--and salutary--prospect.

Dr. Tom King

This book is more than worth its money in culinary gold. I recently graduated from culinary school and have started a catering business with my husband. I've read a number of books on how to start a catering business and have found this to be the best one yet. Lots of information and very good detail. Every caterer needs to have this copy in their reference library.

A must have book for a new Caterer starting their own business.

"THE PROFESSIONAL CATERER'S HANDBOOK: HOW TO OPEN AND OPERATE A FINANCIALLY SUCCESSFUL CATERING BUSINESS" by Lora Arduser and Douglas Robert Brown.

This book is an indispensable addition to any would be caterer's library. If you have thought about turning your catering skills into a full time business this book will open your eyes to all that is involved in starting and operating your own catering business.

Any and every aspect of operating your own successful catering business is included in this fabulous book. The authors start by talking about the skills needed to open and operate your own catering business, the give you a step by step planning guide to developing your business goals and plan.

Each chapter of this text skillfully builds on the last one to provide you with a comprehensive handbook to answer all your questions. Should you own or lease, what laws should you be aware of, how to market your company, how to set up the event, staffing, which equipment to purchase, and should you start as a home based catering company? These are only a few of the thousands of answers you will get from reading this handbook.

From the very first page of the book the author's are getting you excited about opening your own catering business. The tone of the book is uplifting and positive and will make you feel like you could do this!

The book also comes with a companion CD-ROM that will provide additional resource material including tons of business forms to get you started. This book is great for anyone in the catering business, weather a seasoned business owner or just in the contemplation stages of owning their own business; this book will be an invaluable source of information.

If you want to enter the catering business, there are plenty of lighter guides on the topic on the market - but if you're really serious about professionally entering the business, you can't be without THE PROFESSIONAL CATERER'S HANDBOOK: HOW TO OPEN AND OPERATE A FINANCIALLY SUCCESSFUL CATERING BUSINESS. A cd-rom supplements the weighty exploration which is actually a detailed manual of step-by-step instruction on all the basics. From bookkeeping and handling profits and loss to considering the pros and cons of professional equipment, there's no better guide on the market. College-level culinary schools in particular must have this reference.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

The Professional Caterer's Handbook: How To Open And Operate A Financially Successful Catering Business (With CD-Rom), expertly co-authored by Lora Arduser and Douglas Robert Brown, is an informative introduction and comprehensive guide to properly establishing and managing a catering business. Comprehensively mapping out an easy-to-follow, "user-friendly" compendium of strategies and tactics for establishing a company name and reputation, The Professional Caterer's Handbook presents logical and effective advise vitally important for all aspiring catering entrepreneurs. The Professional Caterer's Handbook is very strongly recommended as instructional reading for all small catering business developers, those hoping to create a professional catering business, and for those seeking to expand their catering business.

Rick Steve's book is a down-to-earth book that gives so much information to which you can relate. It's a wonderful guide.

We are planning a trip to Ireland in April and this book was great. It gave us several great Bed & Breakfasts to stay in and also suggested what to see and what NOT to see.

Thanks.

We went to Ireland last year for the first time and loved it so much, we are going again this year. We purchased this book as well as another guidebook. This one is fabulous -- very well thought out and organized - you can tell he really knows what he is talking about -- this is the one that we will bring with us -- he even tells you when and how to drive the Dingle Peninsula to avoid the tourist buses -- does not give you too much information. He has a very honest and down to earth approach which makes for an informative and interesting read!

Rick Steves' Ireland 2008 is like your brother (your very detailed and analytical exploring brother) writing home with the in's and out's of each city and stop in Ireland. Hitting highlights and lowlights, Rick leaves no Irish pebble unturned for the common traveler. If you have a question about Ireland, it is most likely answered in this book; if not, then Rick has made himself available through his websites if you need further information. It is very helpful to not walk into a new situation unprepared and Rick's Ireland 2008 has proved most helpful!

Ireland offers visitors a diversity of memorable places to visit, memorable people to encounter, and memorable opportunities for recreation. Rick Steves is a seasoned and experienced travel writer and in collaboration with Ireland specialist Pat O'Connor has authored the "Rick Steves' Ireland 2008", a compact, 425-page travel guide that is packed from first page to last with informed and informative information for tourists and business travelers to the villages, towns, and countryside of the Republic of Ireland in the south, as well as the cities and counties of Northern Ireland. Of special note is the introductory chapter dedicated to the best use of this outstanding guide for planning a trip whether of short or extended duration, practicalities when traveling, money, sightseeing, sleeping, eating, 'Traveling as a Temporary Local', and 'Back Door Travel Philosophy'. Another special section is devoted to Irish history, art, literature, language, and an Irish-Yankee Vocabulary. Enhanced with appendices on resources; money matters; telephones, emails, and postal mails; transportation; holidays and festivals; conversions and climate; an essential packing checklist; and a sample hotel reservation form, "Rick Steves' Ireland 2008" is an ideal and enthusiastically recommended guide for anyone anticipating a trip to the Emerald Isle.