England Books

With delightful, tongue-in-cheek humor, P. G. Wodehouse continues the adventures of Bertie Wooster, an often silly member of the upper class who depends on his much more sensible "gentleman's gentleman," Jeeves, to keep his life from falling apart. In this novel, Wooster has been growing a mustache for the two weeks that Jeeves has been on a shrimping holiday, and he fears that Jeeves will not like it. Sure, enough Jeeves does not, and neither do any of his other friends--except for Lady Florence Craye, his former fiancée, now engaged (to Bertie's great relief) to Stilton Cheesewright.

The fate of the mustache is only the starting point for Wodehouse's comedy of errors, however, as Bertie goes from London to his Aunt Dahlia's country home, where Lady Florence, Stilton Cheesewright, and Percy Gorringe, a young man who wants to produce a play based on Lady Florence's book, are also in attendance. As Lady Florence and Stilton Cheesewright play out their on-again, off-again romance, Percy is casting longing eyes at Florence, who is flirting with Bertie, once again.

As is always the case with Wodehouse, events quickly become more complex. Percy wants Bertie to invest one thousand pounds in the play. Aunt Dahlia, wanting to sell her magazine, decides to "salt the mine," secretly selling her pearls so she can serialize a novel by a famous romance author to make the magazine more attractive. Her husband, at this point, decides to have the pearls appraised. Bertie takes Florence to a nightclub to "do research for her new novel," and he is arrested. Not surprisingly, it is the resilient Jeeves who comes to the rescue, time and time again, proving that good sense and grounding in the real world are far more important than the silly pretensions of Bertie and his friends.

Wodehouse's gentle satire of upperclass life makes his novels appeal to a broad spectrum of readers. His word play, consummate sense of irony, and ability to make dialogue sound simultaneously absurd and realistic create a fast-moving set of outrageous scenes in which Jeeves, the "gentleman's gentleman" proves to be the real hero, the one person who knows how to live in this silly world. Mary Whipple

In this novel, also published as Bertie Wooster Sees It Through, farceur supreme P.G. Wodehouse brings together all the elements for a delightful Bertie and Jeeves adventure: the endangerment of Bertie's bachelorhood, threats to his physical well-being, Aunt Dahlia's magazine Milady's Boudoir, the necessity for Bertie to steal jewelry, the possibility that Aunt Dahlia will have to part with her marvelous cook Anatole, and more.

Bertie's narration, always a joy, is in particularly fine form in this novel, and, as always, Bertie's engagement is broken off when his fiancee decides to wed another, Anatole stays with Aunt Dahlia at Brinkley court, and things in general turn out for the best, thanks largely to Jeeves's genius. Any veteran reader of Wodehouse's work knows that this will be the case, but Wodehouse's genius is such that the book is an absolute joy, anyway, on the first reading or the seventh.

I listened to this again for the first time in over a year. It has lost nothing. Every humorous incident is just as funny the second time around. Wodehouse has an ingenious way of pulling you into comedic situations and you're suddenly there before you realize it. Jonathan Cecil is one of the best of the Wodehouse narrators.

To the ever growing Audio Partners catalogue of complete books on tape can be added yet another of those hilarious Jeeves novels, this one called "Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit." Written in 1954, this Bertie Wooster epic brings in many characters familiar from earlier works (Roderick Strode, Aunt Agatha, Uncle Tom, Frances Craye, Stilton Cheesewright) and many all-too familiar situations. Yes, Wodehouse does repeat himself, but I look upon it as ringing the changes. A line of bells is a line of bells, but their various combinations are what make things interesting.

Again Bertie is trying to avoid both marriage and having his spine broken in an increasing number of places, again having to purloin a valuable object to help out his only likable aunt, again depending on Jeeves first, middle, and last to extricate himself from dilemmas of his own doing and (at least in this book) those of others. Of the four actors assigned to read these novels and short stories on Audio Partners tapes, I think Jonathan Cecil is the best. He gives Wooster just that goofy intonation and all the other characters their due, making this set of four audio tapes a real humdinger. I have grown to realize that it is not so much that Wodehouse says funny things as that he says ordinary things in a funny way. That is why almost all of the Jeeves adventures are narrated first person by Wooster himself.

Just the ticket to cheer one up after a hard day or during a long boring drive.

As a PS, there is a very good life of Wodehouse by David A. Jasen put out by Schirmer Trade Books, "P.G. Wodehouse: A Portrait of a Master." It makes an easy read and brings you closer to the creator of the dreamworld in which lives the Woosters and the rest.

P.G. Wodehouse writes in a Dave Barry meets Agatha Christie style which makes you laugh out loud. P.G. Wodehouse was Agatha Christie's favourite author for a good reason. He gives you a visit to England in 1930 (or thereabouts) and plots with every twist you can imagine. In this one, Bertie, the upperclass twit, gets himself into the usual fix, and Jeeves finds a way out. The plot carries you along and keeps you in both suspense and stitches. Please listen to it if you have even a smidgen of the blues! If you have kids who are intelligent teens, this is a great family car trip book.

Jimmy Coates is just sitting at home, minding his own business, when two big men in suits arrive at his house and tell his parents that they've "come for the boy".
So begins a gripping thriller that will inevitably be compared to the Alex Rider series and the Young Bond books. "Jimmy Coates: Killer" will definitely appeal to fans of those books, but if anything, it has an even greater sense of urgency. The mystery is as important as the action, and there is a genuine feeling of danger and paranoia surrounding the wonderfully created central character.
In fact, I was reminded more of Robert Ludlum (of "The Bourne Identity") than Anthony Horowitz, but either way, the book stands up some pretty high calibre comparisons.
It is a very inventive book, and at times it is also very funny, while always propelling the story onwards at a rollicking pace.
This is one that is too good to be left only to children. It's as well constructed and pacy as anything by Matthew Reilly, as gripping as Ludlum, and as inventive as Horowitz.

I really like this book. I don't usually read this stuff, but a friend of mine said it was great, so I got it. I think it's a really cool story. At the back, it says there's going to be another Jimmy Coates book. That'd be awesome.

i loved this book my brother loved it my mom loved this book even my grandma loves this book. it ends in a cliffhanger so i've been waiting for a sequel. please make a suequel!

'Gripping' is the one word I would use to describe this book above all others. I couldn't put it down. I might be an adult, but this children's book had a depth and quality that should satisfy anybody after an action-packed adventure written with wit, imagination and brains!
It's set in London, and it evokes the setting brilliantly. Especially as there is a creepy, undemocratic regime in charge of this version of Britain. When they come after Jimmy, the boy hero of the story, their intentions are mysterious, but almost certainly sinister.
Imagine a book which takes all the best elements from The Bourne Identity, The Matrix, 1984, The Fugitive and the Alex Rider books (because, remember, it still suits kids perfectly - especially boys). Add that special spice which marks it out as something unique, and you have 'Jimmy Coates: Assassin?' summed up.
It's the first of a series, too. And once you've read this, you'll be locked in for the long run!
Highly recommended.

Jimmy Coates is a normal eleven year old kid with an annoying sister and parents who love him. One night the doorbell rings and a tall man with a thin tie enters their family's home and announces "We've come for the boy." His "normal" life is over. He hears his mother yell, "JIMMY RUN!" and though he is bewildered by the sudden change from mundane family life to men in dark suits chasing him, he finds he can run, jump, dodge and defend himself expertly.

The book takes off with Jimmy as he runs for his life and tries to understand his new abilities and strengths. The action is fast paced as he learns the devastating truth about secret government agencies, his family, his life and existence.

One aspect of this story that will resonate with readers is Jimmy's struggle to overcome his "programming." He does not want to become the assassin he was created to be. His refusal to succumb to his nature is admirable and reminds us that we all have choices to make in our behavior, despite our background. I think this is one of the most interesting points of the book.

Jimmy's loyalty and love for his family is strong despite his conflicted emotions. His sister Georgie is fiesty and you don't mess with her. This is a fun read with echoes of the Bourne Identity that readers will enjoy.

I am looking forward to seeing what Jimmy's next move will be.

I think this book is the best of the three Quantock Hill stories I've read so far. The scenes in hospitals in France during the war are so real, you feel you are there. As with the other stories, you see some of the same events, but from a different point of view. ... it's a sad story in many ways, and very moving. Definitely read the other books in the series too!

This is one of my favorite books of all time. It's the third in the serries and in my opinion, the best. It's about Julia Purcell, who always feels as though she has to live up to her older sister. Then, she meets Geoffrey Mackenzie who always feels as though he has to live up to his older brother. They fall in love during World War One and when Geoffrey goes off to fight and Julia to nurse, they make all possible atempts to meet. The language used by the author is wonderful, the historical background is wonderful and it has a wonderful story. I would recomend reading this serries in order.

I have read the first three of the Sisters of the Quantock Hills books now, and this one is definitely the best so far. If you liked the other books, you'll LOVE this one (as I do). However, this one is more sad than the others (but you'll but prepared for most of what happens by reading the first two). The other books don't say too much about Julia, but this book shows what an amazing character she is. This book is a wider range of time than the others (Sarah's Story and Frances' Story are 1910-1920, Julia's Story is 1910-1930. Julia's age ranges from about 15-35) but its still REALLY good. you also learn more about what happened with Frances and Gabriel. I haven't read Gwen's Story yet, but I hope to very soon!

I remember when these books were first on display at Borders, thinking I wanted to read this one, intrigued by the romance and how pretty the cover was... "Julia's Story" is another interesting installment in the lives of the Purcells. It covers some of the same events from "Sarah's Story" & "Frances' Story" but also lasts a little longer. It ties up what you were left wondering at the end of "Frances' Story". My favorite aspect of all the novels is how each gives a sisters persepective on the walk they took over the Quantocks. My favorite part in the later story would probably be the few days Julia and Geoffrey manage to steal away, to spend time together in Paris. Their romance is a lot more complex than you were led to believe. It just makes the inevitable all the more sad...if you've read the other books, you know what I'm talking about. "Julia's Story" is definitly not a let down. Parts can be quite sad...but so can life. But it ends on a hopeful note. Definitely read these books - all together they are a great story.

...I got excited, sad, then actually cried. I've never cried while reading a book before. I tried to persuade Julia to say something although I knew it wouldn't matter. This is an extremely sad and compelling book. The sisters have such a strong bond with each other. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND reading this book!!!

Far more than a simple listing of where and what the Kinks played over the years, this book provides a detailed look at the lives of the Davies brothers in particular, as well as some of the other members of the band. Some of the songs have even more meaning when you learn of the stories and details behind them. And it's a tremendous benefit to have a US/UK discography so that there's no doubt what may be missing (if anything) from your Kinks kollection.

What leaps out at me from all of the details is a portrait of tremendously-talented songwriter Ray Davies as a reluctant rock star who may have been happier working in film or the musical theater, and a portrait of tremendously-talented guitar player Dave Davies as a man who wrestled with depression back in the days before anyone took that seriously. It's no wonder they fought a lot.

If you love the best of the British Invasion bands, buy this book. You will be glad you did.

This book is amazing. Trying to get the whereabouts together for a period of 35 years from one of the most erratic bands ever. It took 18 years of researching, collecting data in all corners of the world to get this book done. The Kinks did things on a spur of the moment, unlike The Beatles' or The Rolling Stones' management, who were better organized and as a result the information can be drawn from the source. Information on The Kinks had to be found in numerous archives, libraries and fans' scrapbooks. I think Doug Hinman would have thought twice before starting if you had told him this 20 years ago!
Hinman's book is flooding over with dates, facts and information about The Kinks for a period of 35 years. There are photos in this book that I had never seen before, and I've been through quite a few books on The Kinks.
The best Kinks book in 15 years. No question about it!

My favorite thing on earth is The Kinks....I've read all the other books....THIS RULES!!!!!trust me. MANCOW

this day by day historical look at the kinks' touring and recording dates is thoroughly researched to the best of the author's ability. the book provides interesting and fascinating glimpse into not only the music of the group but also the personalities and attitudes of its members, especially ray davies, one of the greatest lyricists in rock history. the kinks are probably the most underrated of the great british invasion bands, at least on american shores, and certainly one of the most interesting, and this work will give fans and readers hours of enjoyment, as well as inform them about quite a few facts that they didn't previously know.

This is a terrific account of the Kinks history from the early 1960's up to the later 90's. Instead of merely listing set lists from each tour, Doug Hinman researchs and documents exactly what was going on with the Kinks at each point in time. The most famous Ray and Dave Davies fights are included of course, but there is much more to the Kinks than just that. Each year lists the album, singles, how the commercial success or lack of affected the band, the management, the concert crowds, etc. It does not pull any punches in listing dissapointing crowds during many years or concerts that were cancelled for various reasons. Full accounts of interactions with The Beatles, The Who and other bands they've shared bills with are also included. A terrific read for the Kinks fan. I enjoyed it immensly.

Olivia Xavier has been widowed for five years. In his will, her husband left her the brewery, Greywell, which Olivia is determined to run herself. As a lady in 1883, it's extremely unconventional for her to be working, and running a brewery is shocking. Olivia doesn't care. She has her dreams and fantasies, and they all center around the stories she reads in dime novels about cowboys and the untamed America.

Will Coffin is a cowboy from Colorado. He's in England looking for his family with no real clue where to start his search. Like any self respecting cowboy, he brought his boots, hat, guns, and saddle with him across the ocean. He has no idea when he rescues her from some thugs that all his skills would be needed to save Lady X's life and brewery.

Olivia is standing outside the brewery waiting for her coach to arrive when she's accosted by several men who'd been sent to intimidate her into selling her brewery. While she's fending them off, a real live cowboy comes out of nowhere and rescues her with a bit of muscle and good ol' western brawling. Once the ruffians are gone, Olivia thanks Will and offers him a reward for his help. Will feels that he only did what any man worth his salt should do and therefore is extremely offended by her offer. He does tell her the general area where he's staying and she later tracks him down. Fortunately for him, she finds him right as the owner of the establishment is requesting him to leave and refuses to let him into his room to gather his possessions. With Olivia backing him up and looking down her aristocratic nose, the owner finally backs down and allows Will to retrieve his things. Olivia offers Will a room in her home for the night. While they talk, Will tells her about his parents' death and the miner who had found and raised him. He also explains to her exactly why he is in England. Olivia is in dire need of help with the so-called gentleman who's trying to force her to sell her brewery. Will needs help finding his folk. Can the two of them work out a plan that ensures that they both find their dreams . . . even if their dreams are more than they ever imagined.

I've read many books with cowboys and ladies but this is the first one I've ever read where the cowboy goes to England and I have to tell you I love it! Will doesn't put on fancy airs for anybody. He speaks with a decidedly American twang, and isn't afraid to fight when the need arises. Olivia is also bold, her fear of being ousted from society keeps her from displaying the full force of her nerve, though you do get peeks of it here and there. She's intelligent and determined, just as I'd expect a business woman to be. However, there's also a wistfulness that comes out when she's with Will. Together, they're a power to be reckoned with as they set out to shock and titillate the upper-crust of English society. Zoe Archer's LADY X'S COWBOY is both humorous and exciting from beginning to end. Definitely a book I'd recommend reading if you enjoy cowboy stories.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

This book changed my view of romance novels. It was funny, intelligent, and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I'm ordering Zoe Archer's 2nd book because I liked this one so much.

An unbelievable debut from Archer that grabs you from the very beginning. Olivia is a heroine out of her time struggling to battle the inevitable censure brought on by the fact that she is managing one of the most successful breweries in London which her late husband has left her. In her two years of full mourning she has decided to read every scrap of literature relating the management and the making of beer. She tackles the task head on, becoming so successful at it that spoiled and unscrupulous, peer of the realm Lord Pryce decides that he wants her brewery and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Hence a lovely villain.

When Lady Olivia is attacked by thugs hired by Pryce, Will Coffin strides in out of the fog to save the day. Full with a bushy mustache, six shooter, as long duster and more Western expressions that will put a grin on your face (such as "Fog's so thick that not even a mule in a mineshaft could see!"). The typical Western Cowboy who Lady Olivia hires to help manage her brewery. There are enough hot electrical sparks between them to light a fire - they are very sexually attracted to each other - as he is constantly saying whatever is on his mind - mostly to do with Lady Olivia's appearance, her beauty or her lips. She is taken aback by his candor and easy going, honest manner. All hell brakes loose when she brings him to her house and they encounter the tremendous censure from society when a high class lady is fraternizing with the lower classes.

This book is marvelous. An amazing story of how Olivia's love for Will transforms her and how they will stop at nothing to be together and love each other - no matter the dictates of society. An amazing debut from Zoë Archer - the book was exquisite, well written observing the Victorian elements of the era and fun and sexy to boot. The character development is wonderful and you will delight in reading Olivia's and Will's story. I can't wait for Zoë's next book.

In 1883 London, Colorado cowboy Will Coffin intercedes and rescues Lady Olivia Xavier from assault of three punks. She thinks the hunk who saved her from Lord Pryce's hired thugs could have been the front cover model of the western dime novels she loves to read.

Lady Olivia hires Will to help her save the brewery that she inherited from her late husband her unscrupulous rival Lord Pryce will do anything to either destroy or preferably steal her firm. Meanwhile Will has come to England to find his family here. He has no plans to socialize with people he does not understand nor is able to communicate with yet somehow he and Lady X who speaks a foreign language that sort of sounds like English, communicate through their hearts. Though the lady and the cowboy are in love, their respective social classes are more than just oceans apart.

This is a terrific Victorian romance that focuses on cultural differences between a tea toting English aristocrat and a cow poking American cowboy. The story line emphasizes the Grand Canyonesque gaps that the loving pair must surmount if they want a permanent relationship a concept both desire and fear. Humor via stereotyping presumptions add to the fun as Olivia cannot understand how he can be gentle instead of a rough hooligan like in the dime novels while Will struggles with how his English rose can be understanding and kind instead of haughty as he assumed all aristocratic ladies pretend a loftiness that make dudes like him feel like sewage. Fans will enjoy Zoe Archer's superb historical driven by two obviously in love characters that live light years apart in lifestyles.

Harriet Klausner

Zoe Archer's debut novel is a refreshing and delightful read. Lady Olivia Xavier, the beautiful heroine, will not disappoint romance readers. She is a strong, independent businesswoman who frowns and struggles with the dictates of Victorian society and forms her own path. Underneath, she longs for romance and adventure, reading dime store cowboy novels in her spare time. Will Coffin, a "real" American cowboy, arrives in England to try and locate his lost family. He is a strong, sexy male who is attracted to and admires Olivia. He comes to her rescue to save her brewery, but also gives her the romance she has longed for. The romance is fun and sexy; definitely an 8 to 10 on the sensual scale. Zoe Archer really pulls off the blend of the Wild West American & the Society English Lady. There is suspense and many fun scenes. Unlike some romances, you do not walk away thinking any of these characters are flighty. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to future books by Zoe Archer.

A gem! I loved eating at the Loaf & Ladle in Exeter, NH and am so glad to have found these recipes of much beloved dishes.

I've used this cookbook since the 80's. I don't even know if the restaurant is still open, but she has great recipes for soups, breads and desserts. Plain, simple, easy to make and delicious. The very definition of homemade. I used to use the recipes for my own sandwich shop over 20 years ago. I lost my original copy and just bought it again, used. It has a divine recipe for chocolate sheet cake with cream cheese icing ever. Highly recommend. My other favorite cookbook for easy homemade is Woodbine Cottage, another New Hampshire restaurant.

I am one of those fortunate souls who received the book as a gift from reviewer John Stone about eight years ago. Imagine my delight when finding his words here as I contemplated buying the Loaf and Ladle Cookbook as Christmas gifts for several friends. He's right, it's wonderful - a classic of simplicity and a trusted friend. What fun to find Martha's Company Casserole, which I received from my sister in our 1960s newlywed days and thought was a treasured family recipe from her in-laws. Here it is called Bob's Casserole, but it has stood the test of time. And who but Joan Harlow could inspire me to combine apples and cabbage for an Apple Slaw that has been the hit of numerous potlucks?
I heartily recommend this book for all cooks, whether skilled or rank beginners.

An easy to follow book of bread, soup and casserole recipes. Many useable recipes. I have been to the restaurant several times and would go more often if it were closer to home. I was suprised to see that they don't sell the book in the restaurant.

I went to prep school in the town that this restaurant "lives in" - and live, it does. I've given this book to many people - having eaten there every Saturday from age 14 to 18, and having loved the food. Whenever I get back there, I go there, and always get Joan's hearty and yummy food. These recipes are easy to execute for someone who's not the most professional of chefs, and never fail to taste good. I love any cookbook that's not afraid to call for Real-lemon - when that will do just fine..... or, one that starts a recipe out with "catch a good fish". The soups are wonderful and easy - and the breads are also great - I use a bread machine to knead the dough, raise the bread and then bake it in pans or free form....comes out wonderfully. Stews, soups and breads - what more could one want? A big test of how well I like a cookbook is how many stains it has on the pages (lots) and how many people I've shared it with/given it to (also lots).

I could not help myself by buying this book and it did not disappoint. This was a fun, albeit short read, that helped me live somewhat vicariously through Mr Baumgartner during his travails of restoration and the joys of sailing the East Coast. I was a little sad that there was not more on the actual restoration given the title- it was more about the experience. It just left me cruising E-Bay 'Sailboats 20-27 feet'.... it's that kind of book.

I'm not a sailor but this book (a gift) has charmed me. Somehow, the boat, the man, his family, his tribulations and the art of navigation are so artfully described that I have become enamoured of all of the above! Anyone who has ever been seasick or obsessed with completing a project will find themselves turning pages here. . .

I enjoyed this book very much because it comes from a person who is clearly both a sailor and a writer. Much like Anthony Baily, author of "The Coast of Summer", Baumgartner writes in a way that lets me know that he is comfortable and knowledgable about being on the water, with a tiller in his hand and his eye on the luff of the main. This is also a good reference, because Baumgartner describes how he solved problems I either have encountered -- or am likely to. I'll dig this out often, to solve a problem or to let Baumgartner take me to sea again.

I've never wished to sail, but London Went To Sea with me aboard for the duration of my read. I found the book rewarding in its detail and in the grandness of its focussed vision. The author's style, with reminescenses of Mark Twain, Hemingway, and even Dickens, was fasinating and seductive.

I still feel no desire to actually participate in the experiences the author so delightly describes, but now can feel justified by having so closely experienced the joys and difficulties of the reality....which strongly suggests the high level of skill of the writer.

Joshua Slocum himself would have been enthalled.

Then read this book, a practical, thoughtful, honest, and gently humorous guide to the real pleasures and challenges of finding, sailing, and caring for your boat, as well as the delicate balance of man, nature, work, dreams, boat maintenance, friendship, marriage and family.
It's not just a how to book, but a well-written and wonderful reflection by an active and skilled sailor that explores restoration details, costs, safety, mishaps and joys on the water, with a fine, candid, and thoughtful eye.

On the one hand, this oversized-but-not-quite-coffee-table book isn't really a guidebook, certainly not in the mold of Fodor's or Frommer's. There is no list of hotels and restaurants, no star-ratings, no chapter on "where to take the kids," no advice on where to get your money changed. On the other hand, this is the best all-round travel book about London I have ever had the pleasure of losing myself in. Reading this book, especially if you have at least a superficial familiarity with London, is like strolling through the city with an urbane, witty, and very knowledgeable uncle, someone who knows everybody and every place in it. For example: On a rainy day, you can go to the Sloane Square station of the Underground and listen to the remnants of the River Westbourne sloshing through a conduit overhead. You can visit Leadenhall Market and know who designed the roof. You can read the "Cockney Alphabet," or discover what happened to the Crystal Palace, or learn the ins and outs of the Chelsea Flower Show. You can find out why Brixton smells different than other neighborhoods, where the psychological division between north and south London originated, and how the Thames Barrier works. Or what happened at the first-ever FA Cup Final at Wembly in 1923. Or where Princess Diana bought her shoes. Or why you mustn't miss the engine room at Tower Bridge. Or why Old Billingsgate was more glamourous -- and much more fun -- than New Billingsgate. Because it was published six years ago now, some things have changed; Jack Straw's Castle, an inn and pub Yapp recommends for a visit, has now been sold and carved up into condos. But Hampstead Heath hasn't changed, and neither has Portobello Road. The eclectic topics covered are gathered into eight sections, either geographical (The Thames, The City, Westminster) or by subject, and each topic neatly fills a two-page spread, so you can really open the volume anywhere and just read. And every one of the 350 pages has at least one photo and often more -- most of them shot specifically for this book by Rupert Tenison. Yapp, a Londoner-born, also is obviously an afficionado of pubs. No matter what corner of the metropolis he's escorting you through, you can bet he'll point out the best watering-holes along the way, with something of their histories and unique personalities and notable regulars of the past -- nor does he hesitate to note those chains and themed houses that aren't worth spending your coin in. This is a truly marvelous book, nicely conceived, beautifully written, gorgeously illustrated. My attention actually was brought to it by an American friend, an historian, who has lived and worked in London for more than twenty years -- and who had discovered in it a great many things he didn't know and places he wasn't familiar with. It's out of print, unfortunately, but buy it used or get it through Inter-Library Loan -- but read it.

London: The Secrets and the Splendor is a wonderful book. It is the book for anyone who has ever loved the city of London. This book is a must, and anyone can read it.

London: The Secrets and the Splendor is a wonderful book. It is the book for anyone who has ever loved the city of London. This book is a must, and anyone can read it.

I wanted to buy a really good book about London after returning from a recent visit there. I was a little wary buying a book such as this over the 'net, but I have to say I was not disappointed with this gem.

It is a classy, beautiful book, packed with slighlty off-beat information that is more than just a summary of what you read in your travel guides. The pictures are just gorgeous, not only capturing what I discovered of London during my all-too-brief trip, but also uncovering so much more.

If you want a great book about London, then this is the one for you.

This book is excellent - the perfect gift for anyone who has visited or ever wanted to visit London. It covers all of the usual tourist attractions in the city, but it also covers the areas and sights that make London unique. The photographs are high-quality and Yapp offers bits of interesting history and stories that the average visitor would not know. It covers all aspects of the city...pubs, museums, literary and military history, shopping markets like Covent Garden and sites found just outside the city, such as Hampstead, Kew Gardens, and Greenwhich.

It is not a travel guide by any means, as the author notes in the preface, but it allows you to check out areas and historical notes about London that even a frequent visitor may not know.

A wonderful way to relax over a rainy weekend. If you've been to London, it will take you back. If you haven't, the tape will prepare you for when you do go. Powell livens up the tour with interesting, amusing, and startling facts and anecdotes. The contemporary and historical information, the accents, the readers, the mood - all make for a quick trip to the U.K. in one little box. Very much enjoyed it.

Great book. Tours are easy to follow and take you into some really great parts of London that even locals don't know. I got to school our host on Aldephi.

Having read London by Rutherfurd made the tours even better.

The huge and bustling metropolis of London does not reveal itself to the casual visitor. To discover its hidden wonders, you must investigate streets and alleyways on foot. Now with the LONDONWALKS auido guide, visitors to London can put on earphones and slip a LONDONWALKS tape into their portable cassette recorder and start walking, while they listen to the history, scandal, and intrigue of one of the most magnificent cities of Europe. Each of the four audio walking tours in this two-cassette package takes about two hours, or as long as a morning or aternoon. They are narrated by the English actress Jean Marsh.

Self-directed (and very explicit in terms of getting you around) this book is a wonderful find. If I want to re-think all the great times my friend and I had trekking through districts/neighborhoods, I don't go look at my photos... I grab this book. The gentleman who wrote it (at the time we visited) also led guided tours of the areas described in the book ..20 pounds! Do it yourself for the price of the book. Funny, informative, and definitely worth the bucks.

We also bought the New York Walks (Manhattan) and found it equally informative, although written by a bunch of people from the NY "Y". Hester Street, Lower East Side, Upper East Side, etc., etc. GREAT.

LONDONWALKS Audio tours was the high point of our quick trip to London last month. We did two of the four walks and now we must return to do the rest. We will be looking for more Sound Travel Audio Guides. What a great idea!

Well written, informative and spectacular reproductions of his excellent drawings from his travels in Central America. Well worth the price.

A very well done, review of the life of Frederick Catherwood, as well as an excellent description of the mid 19th centuries London, Paris, and New York. The efforts of the first archeological efforts, and how were the must important archeological discoveries at that time. With the beautyful work and potraits of Catherwood

Excellent

Fans of Stephens and Catherwood should very much enjoy this volume. Catherwood is neither featured - nor ignored - in Stephens' "Incidents of Travel in Yucatan" set - their travels together being the source of most of the included drawings. This book, however, focuses not only on Catherwood's intriguing artwork, but reveals a good deal about the life of the man himself. Especially considering the price, this book is not only a must for those interested in the Mayan civilization, but also for the story of one of the first white men to discover and document this great culture for the rest of the world.

In reading the The Lost Cities of the Mayas : The Life, Art, and Discoveries of Frederick Catherwood by Fabio Bourbon, one must first take in and enjoy the full folio size color reproductions of Catherwood's engravings and drawings. The vast aray of sumptous images and the clear and concise text that takes you on an adventure through the life of Frederick Catherwood, the first real Indiana Jones is a joy to read and imagine! Oh to have lived in the 19th c. and been on the first real archaeological journey through mexico and central america, documenting the opening up of an ancient civilization to the world. A must for the adventure reader and explorer.

I have read all of John Loyd Stevens books and this is an excellent addition to my library. I would say this book is a must for all you amature Mayanists. Many times I have wished I could tag along with the great adventurers, Stevens and Catherwood, this is the next best thing! I also recomend all of John Loyd Stevens work. You might also check out "A Tourist in the Yucatan" A fun thriller, adventure set in the Yucatan.