Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Atlases    3. Atlases - General    4. Earth Sciences - Geography    5. Photography Of Specific Subjects    6. Reference    7. Subjects & Themes - Travel - General    8. Himalayas    9. Maps, charts & atlases   

Reviews (1)

Singapore Brought to Life
Seduced as I am by the highly glossy, supremely compact and wonderfuly illustrated DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, I suppose I am somewhat biased as a reviewer. The combination of succinct text, numerous useful details, spectacular photographs, eyecatching 3-D graphical images, and user-friendly maps make the Eyewitness Travel Guides uniquely useful, distinctive and even collectable. The new Singapore book is no exception to these considerations, so much so, I wish I had it my disposal when I visited there last year, if only for the invaluable details it provides. Now shortly before leaving for Singapore once again, I have recently acquired this book, and it has whetted my appetite, by reminding me of the places, the colors, the smells, the greenery, the heat, and the vibrancy I had already experienced. It has also made it quite clear, exactly how much I missed last time, particularly in terms of wildlife reserves, museums, and galleries. The book contains a brief, but informative overview of the history and multi-cultural nature of this exciting island country. As with other titles in the series, the guide enables the user-traveler to gain maximum benefit from his or her visit, by highlighting THE places to visit, and what to expect from these experiences. If I have any criticisms of this, and indeed with many other Eyewitness Travel Guides, it is a shade small, with tiny text font, and it is a tad too short for my liking. But I guess they have to fit comfortably into your pocket, and, in any case, you cannot have too much of a good thing, otherwise you may just stay at home and gloat over the marvellous pictures. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Asia - Southeast    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel / Asia / Southeast   

Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there,chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nervesof first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the mostjaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still givinginsights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations anditineraries for those with less time than money.Read more

Reviews (10)

Perfect Also for the Armchair Traveler
I've never been to Tibet and probably never will get there, but reading about Tibet and Central Asia is one of my interests, so I bought this book to augment my reading.The book I was reading, "Younghusband" by Patrick French, told of the eponymous colonial Brit who explored and exploited Tibet late in the 19th century.It was interesting to compare his notes of more than 100 years ago with Lonely Planet's descriptions of the same places today.This book was incredibly detailed and well-written, and although I can't vouch for its accuracy, reading the other reviews here indicate that the authors were right on the money.Good job.

I went to Tibet
Last summer I went to Tibet with this book as a NGO officer. This book is very useful, but no information about dalily life of real Tibeatian. Acturally, in the downtown, there are few Tibetian people. There are only Hun people, majority ethnic group in China, who enjoy their prestages. On the other hands, Tibetian people live in the northen part with surveillance camera. Since some of them are sterllized, real Tibetean people would disapper in this century, apart from the exiles in Indea.

Best Travel Book
It's the best LP book ever.I bought the book a few months ago before leaving for Tibet.What a great help this book was!I read every single word one every single page!Went to so many facinating places This is THE book you must have if you plan to go to the snowland.Apparently, every independent traveller in Tibet has one.It has so many useful maps and hiking guide.I was in Tibet for two weeks, still wish I had more time there.Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast    2. Asia - Tibet    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Tibet    6. Travel & holiday guides   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (28)

Hauntingly Perfect
Thubron brings Siberia to life, he gives you the chill of the barren landscape while holding in the warmth of the people.He evokes Siberia in an almost Tolkien-like way, the barreness recalls the vast streches of Tolkiens middle earth.If you even have a passing intrest in Russia or Siberia get this book, it is worth every minute you get lost between the pages.If this book has a failing, that is a big if, it is that it is too short, I wanted to be lost in Thubron's Siberia much longer.

Beautiful--every sentence a poetic observation of Russia!
If you love Russia, or anything about Siberia you will love and cherish this book! Thubron writes with a Byronic majesty but in such a down-to-earth fashion. He draws the reader right into his travels and conversations with Siberian natives. A truly awesome book!

A serious book
This is a serious book, not a page turner, perhaps not a book for the young and optimistic who might prefer to look forward and meet hopeful young Siberians than to slowly unfold the memories of some of its older citizens. Nor is it a book for the lexically impoverished. I first encountered it as a full text audio book on about a dozen cassettes. I greatly recommend this slower-paced way of getting to know the book. Later consideration of the written text only confirmed my delight; this is an impressive writer who reconsiders his sentences and uses a wider range of the resources of our English language than many of us may be used to. As a result, he manages to give a precise and individual tone to each description, whether of the land or of its people, despite the similarities that will recur.Don't expect a travel guide or an engaging host: the book gives little or no practical information and reveals little too about the author, except his obvious talent for drawing out personal stories and his pluck in venturing into remote and dangerous contexts. No, this is a serious book and, all in all, a terrific achievement, as its readers will begin to understand a most significant and oversized piece of the jigsaw of human history. Every serious minded person should know about this book and try to find time to read it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1939-    2. Description and travel    3. Europe - Former Soviet Republics    4. Europe - Russia & the Former Soviet Union    5. General    6. History    7. History: World    8. Journeys    9. Russia    10. Russia (Federation)    11. Siberia    12. Siberia (Russia)    13. Thubron, Colin,    14. Travel - Foreign    15. Travel / General   

Reviews (11)

Excellent Development of a Thesis

Essential reading
THE ISLAND OF SEVEN CITIES: WHERE THE CHINESE SETTLED WHEN THEY DISCOVERED AMERICA gathers and presents tangible proof that the Chinese had their own settlement in America long before Columbus. Chaisson is an architect and teacher: his insights on a series of ruins in Cape Breton Island rewrites American history, and is essential reading for any who would understand early American origins and evidence on explorations.
Whether correct or not, a good read.
Chiasson is an architect interested in archaeology.This book recounts his efforts to find the origin of ruins on Cape Breton, and his final conclusion:that the Chinese had a colony there by the early part of the 15th century.Chiasson is a native of Cape Breton, in fact his family were among the early white settlers.He is somewhat of an adventurer, intellectually dogged and objective, and a good writer.The fact that he thought his life was going to be cut short by AIDs while doing the research adds piquancy.The personal aspect of the narrative is the most interesting; his effort to find Portugeese and French explanations for the ruins provides material, which while not compelling,was valuable as a case study of how historical research may be conducted.
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Subjects:  1. Archaeology    2. Asia - China    3. Canada - Pre-Confederation (to 1867)    4. Cape Breton Island    5. Cape Breton Island (N.S.)    6. Chiasson, Paul    7. Description and travel    8. History    9. History - General History    10. History: World    11. North American    12. Nova Scotia    13. Travel   

Reviews (21)

Don't go to Tahiti without it
Jan Prince's book Tahiti & French Polynesia Guide is undoubtedly one of the best books on Tahiti out there. If you're planning a trip to Tahiti and don't already have it, I suggest you buy it immediately. Between this book and True Tahiti Vacations, our incredible travel agent in Moorea, we planned the honeymoon of our dreams. Now, I'm using the book again to plan our vacation back to Tahiti this year. Thank you Jan!

Stereotyping by an expat
My husband and I went to Moorea two weeks ago to visit my daughter, who was doing research there.I bought this book on the strength of the reviews on Amazon.
One of the best travel guides
Took this book to French Polynesia in Sept. 2005 and found it to be very helpful.I always buy 4-5 travel books for each destination, read them all during the planning stage, and then take 1 or 2 on the trip with me.I found this book to be very accurate and extremely helpful.We referred to it many times while on the trip.Don't miss this one if you're going to French Polynesia! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Australia & Oceania - General    3. French Polynesia    4. Guidebooks    5. Tahiti    6. Travel    7. Travel - Foreign    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Australia & Oceania   

Editorial Review

Travel guides are swell wherever, with museum tips here and restaurant recommendations there, but a great guidebook is essential in China. Independent Western travelers hang on their travel guide's every word for survival, and Read more

Reviews (11)

Best guide to China you can get, get it before Lonely planet
I can't fully agree with negative review of this book. I'm living in China for three years now. I got many guides to China I use them quite a lot during my traveling in here. Sure there is maybe a few thing missing and there are some mistakes in this book but it is still the best. I find it much more accurate and detailed than last edition of Lonely Planet. 2003 EDITION - VERY ROUGH INDEED
This book presents itself as a revised edition, but it is very Up to the usual Rough Guide stardard
The Rough Guides are considered among the "cream of the crop" in the guidebook world, and this book is no exception.I used it extensively in the planning phase of my recent month-long trip to China, and it was very helpful.Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. China    3. Guidebooks    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Travel / General   

Reviews (9)

Best Guide to Armenia
I volunteered in Armenia for two months and this book was an indispensable guide throughout my time in Yerevan and beyond.The photos are beautiful and the writing is excellent.I am looking forward to an updated version that includes sights from historical Armenia.
Best guide book on Armenia and Artsakh
Highly recommend this book, gives good and accurate information on Armenia and Artsakh. Used it to my trip to Armenia. Was very helpful and gives comprehensive coverage on the country.I think this is the best guide book ever made on Armenia.

biased book
The book contains a lot of factual error and represent one-sided pro-Armenian version of the history and the culture of the region. For those who want to know the history of Karabakh I strongly recommend Black Garden by Thomas de Waal. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Travel   

Reviews (2)

A jolly good read
This is a jolly good read.The mixture of travelogue and political analysis is quite a surprising combination.
a great read
I make sure I read all of Ted Rall's columns, and I'm always amazed.A lot of writers write about subjects you already know about, they just word it differently from the others and throw in a few extra tidbits.Not Ted!When you read him you always learn massive amounts of facts and information that you didn't even realize you should know about.After reading him you wonder why you've never heard about these important topics.You will not regret buying this book if you're already familiar with Mr. Rall's work.If you're not, you're in for an eye-opening experience. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Central    2. Description And Travel    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. Former Soviet Republics - History - Post Cold War (1991-)    5. General    6. Graphic Novels    7. International Relations - General    8. Travel    9. Central Asia    10. Former Soviet Union, USSR (Europe)   

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Asia - Southeast    3. Bhutan    4. General    5. Guidebooks    6. Travel    7. Travel - Foreign    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (1)

Short trip to Japan
Book helped us decide what we could see in one week.Fodor's has done it again! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Japan    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Japan    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Asia / Japan   

Reviews (37)

Heaven and Earth
The book follows the first twenty years of Hayslip's life, beginning in the Vietnamese village of Ky La.The United States/Vietnam war begins early in her life, and she discovers that her centrally located village is stuck in the middle.By day the villagers are technically controlled by the U.S./Republican force, and threatened to ensure their loyalty, but by night the Viet Cong attacks and claims the village for their own, a process which is reversed the next day.The villagers try to pacify each side, and many are destroyed by both.Hayslip tells her family's story- they alternatively first for and are attacked by the Viet Cong, depending on the changes in the wind.
To Tell the Truth
I have just finished watching To Tell the Truth on the Game Show Network and this remarkable lady was on this episode.After just hearing only part of the story it brought tears to my eyes to hear that something of this nature took place which brought me to the internet to see if this book was available.I will certainly read this book very soon to hear the rest of this amazing story.God Bless Le Ly Hayslip

Wonderful!
Forget all the talk about Communism vs. Capitalism!! This is a book that deals with the human experience. It's one person's journey through life and it also gives us a different pair of eyes to see the Vietnam War through. Enjoy it! The story keeps your attention and you'll find yourself soul-searching as you read...truly universal. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast Asia    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Description and travel    6. General    7. Hayslip, Le Ly    8. Personal narratives, Vietnames    9. Personal narratives, Vietnamese    10. Refugees    11. United States    12. Vietnam    13. Vietnam War, 1961-1975    14. Vietnamese Conflict, 1961-1975    15. Biography & Autobiography / Women   

Reviews (2)

Good Introduction with photos, illustrations and facts
I was searching for a good book on India, with a historical bent, as a gift for a friend here in the US. This book provides a very good introduction with pictures, illustrations and relevant facts. The book provides a general outline of history and more importantly also introduces the reader to the general mindset & prevailing conditions ("cultural atlas") in India. It also provides some basic information on the states and neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan & Burma. Excellent reference book!
As an Indian, I'm wary when "outsiders" put together a book on my country, but this book is exceptional.It gives facts and general descriptions of anything and everything when one thinks of India.Lots ofpictures makes it an easy read.Worth every penny.This is the bookteachers in America should use when trying to give an overview on INDIA. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - India & South Asia    2. Atlases    3. Civilization    4. Culture    5. India    6. Maps    7. Reference    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - General    10. Asian / Middle Eastern history    11. Bhutan    12. Cultural studies    13. Nepal    14. Pakistan    15. Reference works    16. Social history   

Reviews (4)

Very helpful on the latest trip!!
We bought "Cruising..." while preparing for our third trip and first solo excursion to Japan.Not only was it an interesting read, but the neighborhood information and maps were invaluable once we arrived.The turnover for small businesses in Japan is high, however, most of the things we were looking for were still available.I highly recommend adding this book to your collection!

Geeks Guide to Tokyo
This is the geek's guide to Tokyo-and much more. It is guidebook, social commentary, and a peak into the latest trends on the otaku scene. And all before they hit the shores of the West. Cruising the Anime City: An Otaku Guide to Neo Tokyo covers the studios that produce anime; includes interviews with the movers and shakers in the industry; discusses the toys, museums, film "locations," music, etc.; and has detailed maps of that otaku mecca Akihabara.
Written especially for hardcore Japanese animation fans
Cruising The Anime City: An Otaku Guide To Neo Tokyo is a guide written especially for hardcore Japanese animation fans, video game players, and the like who want to know what to expect if they visit Tokyo in person - or who just want to armchair travel and imagine shopping! A street-smart guide in plain English, brightly illustrated with full-color photographs throughout, Cruising The Anime City discusses where to get the best deals on Japanese comics, where to find collectible toys, how to avoid cell-phone scams when crusing games from pachinko to porno and everything in between, a guide to finding memorabilia relating to one's favorite idol singer, and much more. Though basic travel information (lodging concerns, roadmaps and the like) is deliberatetly left up to more traditional guides, Cruising The Anime City is a "must-have" for the collector who needs to know "the" hottest shopping spots in Tokyo!
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Subjects:  1. Amusements    2. Animation    3. Japan    4. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Popular culture    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Tokyo    10. Cartoons & comic strips    11. Social Science / Popular Culture    12. Travel & holiday guides   

Editorial Review

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years, and as a result has experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach.While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.Read more

Reviews (20)

Everything the traveller needs to know about Viet Nam
I just got back from a three week trip to Viet Nam, and would have been lost without my trusty LP guidebook.I travelled from north to south and was never at a loss with the help of this book.Granted LP should have put in diacritics because without them, communication breaks down when you don't know the tones, but the in depth research and care that went into this book (and subsequently, all of LP's books) shines through to provide the reader with a competant, user-friendly travel guide.Plus, LP is much more gay-friendly than the other guidebook series.

Don't travel to Vietnam without it
I bought the Vietnam LP on advice from my roomate who never travels to a new place without one. The Vietnam LP soon became my bible in Vietnam, not to mention every other travelers that I met there as well. In fact kids on the streets of Hanoi and Saigon often sell photocopied versions of these LP's to tourists. No other tourist book is more popular there, and for good reason. A victim of its own popularity
LP Vietnam, as several others have mentioned, is misleading and out of date. But even worst, is that it tries to scare most travelers into following its suggested itinerary instead of venturing out on their own. I was going to outline some of the more glaring mistakes, but other reviews beat me to the punch.Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast    2. Guidebooks    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Vietnam   

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Travel & holiday guides    6. Travel / Asia / Southeast    7. Vietnam   

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Asia - Japan    3. Domestic    4. Interior Design - General    5. International Architecture - Asian    6. Houses, apartments, flats, etc    7. Japan   

Reviews (5)

Self absorbed author
For the most part this book is decent.It is made better by the fact that it is almost impossible to get lost on the Everest or Gokyo treks.The author is in love with himself and spends lots of time describing things that have nothing to do with you finding the trail.The maps are hand written and not to scale. If it weren't obvious you might get lost.Unfortunately books like lonely planet focus on all of the Nepal treks and therefore are not as in depth.

Excellent guide for the Everest trek
I would agree with all previous reviews that this book is a must-have for all trekkers heading to the Everest region.I used it myself quite extensively on my trek there in May 2001, and it was most useful.The only thing I can add is that not only does it have very detailed maps and practical advice for the trekker, but it is also very compact and leightweight, which is very important if you are going to heights of more than 5,000m!The books' binding is sturdy and paper quite thick, which is good for backpacking (it will not fall apart after a week of trekking).I think this book is the best buy.

Definitively the best book to have on an Everest Trek
Before my trip to Nepal I ended up purchasing almost every english book on Nepal I could find.The Bezruchka book is definitely the bible on Nepal but is very large and doesn't have specifics about the Everest region.This book by Jamie Mc Guinness is very up-to-date and has great trail and village maps which are very accurate.There are suggested itineraries which are very nice but the format is easy to follow on the trail in case you decide to go on your own route.The suggested day hikes for acclimitisation days were very good too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Asia - India    3. Mountaineering    4. Special Interest - Adventure    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. ASIA    8. Sports & Recreation / Mountaineering    9. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY   

Reviews (20)

or "How to pay attention and develop your career"
Excellent book. Well organised. Fast and easy to read. Very good pointers on managing your career that are relevant whether your job is threatened by outsourcing or not. Especially useful for quick review once a year to see if you're staying on track.
Honest/practical opinions and ideas
This is NOT an out-sourcing bashing book. Great!!! Instead it talks about your career as part of normal business competition. It helps you see why your company values you and how to improve that value. It is somewhat IT biased but the majority of the information is valid for all technical professionals.

Practical and Very Useful Book on Software Profession as a Career

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Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Business & Economics    3. Business/Economics    4. Computers - Languages / Programming    5. Industries - Computer Industry    6. Programming - General    7. Skills    8. Advice on careers & achieving success    9. Computer programmers    10. Computer software    11. Computers / Languages / Programming    12. Computers / Programming / General    13. Computers / Programming / Software Development    14. Cultural Region/Indian    15. Development    16. Information technology    17. Job security    18. Management    19. Software engineering    20. Travel/Asia - India    21. Vocational guidance    22. career, IT outsourcing, business offshoring, India, skills   

Reviews (1)

Adventure-of-a-lifetime guidelines for smart traveling
The Treasures And Pleasures Of Vietnam And Cambodia: Best Of The Best In Travel And Shopping is an amazing, "user friendly" touring, travel, and shopping guide. Individual chapters focus upon the marvels of Vietnamese and Cambodian cities, as well as adventure-of-a-lifetime guidelines for smart traveling and shopping. Filled with sensible advice, maps, addresses, tips, great places to go and an easy index, The Treasures and Pleasures of Vietnam and Cambodia covers everything short of being a primer in the native language. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to these exotic and beautiful lands, The Treasures And Pleasures Of Vietnam And Cambodia is a "must" for getting the most out of a business or vacation trip to these exotic lands. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southeast    2. Cambodia    3. Commerce    4. General    5. Guidebooks    6. Indo-China - History    7. Shopping    8. Travel    9. Travel - Foreign    10. Travel Guides    11. Vietnam    12. Travel & holiday guides