Reviews (17)

More helpful than maps found in travel guides
I was very reliant on the Tokyo City Atlas and the maps found outside train and subway stations. The level of detail in the maps on the City Atlas is helpful if you're one of those people who need to check every two minutes if you're heading in the right direction.
Good, but NOT Great
You are kind of stuck.You need a map like this to navigate Tokyo, and this is the only map of its kind on the market.In other words, you pretty much have to buy this book.
Excellent Book for self-guided travel
Just like most of the reviewers, I agree that this book is an excellent source for self-guided travel. The Map is so easy to use and accurate.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - Japan    2. Maps & Road Atlases    3. Reference - Guides (General)    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Japan    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (1)

Creative, engaging and edgy
This is a fascinating look into an aspect of Japanese culture I never knew existed.Joan Sinclair got incredible access -- access not only to the actual establishments, but access to the inner lives of some of these women and men whom she portrays with honesty and integrity.She has a fresh, exciting lens which comes through not without a revolutionary edge.This is an original.The intro by Farrer is also excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Cultural And Social Anthropology    3. Human Sexuality    4. Japan    5. Nightclubs    6. Pictorial works    7. Psychology    8. Sex customs    9. Sex-oriented businesses    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Art / Popular Culture    13. Erotic art    14. Photographs: collections    15. Pop Culture; sex; travel; Japan   

Reviews (214)

Inspiring
When I got this book I was pleased about most of the places it listed. However, the author left a lot out (though I know you can't please everybody) and put in too many expensive hotels. If we're supposed to do all 1000 things before we die, how are we expected to afford all of it if we're staying in all the expensive hotels? *sigh* oh well.
Stop reading & travel
I bought this book as a challenge for myself to highlight all the places I've been, considering myself well traveled.But I had no idea and now, I have clear goals of where I want to go and why.I also thought it was funny, that there are no places in Korea listed.I'm unhappily stationed in South Korea and couldn't agree more that there are no places that anyone HAS to see before they die here.I will however make it a point to travel to the steakhouse in OK.The only thing that would make this book better, would be more pics and some of them in color.HAPPY TRAVELS!!

Worst travel book........possible
This has got to be one of the worst travel books I have ever come across. It does not cover anything that would not already be obvious if you went to one of the places listed here - like not to miss the Empire State Bldg if you are in NYC or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. On the Swedish section it has the area referred to as all of Southern Sweden mixed up with an island of its east coast. Anyone looking for experiencing something special on their trips should stay far away from this book. I only give it one star because the system does not allow me to put none. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Reference - General    3. Reference - Guides (General)    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. Gift books    7. Places & peoples: general interest    8. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (19)

A must read!
I first read A Short History while on business in Australia. I couldn't put it down. The writing is outstanding and the information is communicated in language that anyone can understand. I have been re-reading A Short History with my kids, and they love it. This is a book for all ages.

The Layman's Scientific Reference Text
This review is for the Black Swan Paperback edition published in 2004, 574 pages of text plus comprehensive notes, bibliography and index.A SHORT HISTORY was on the USA Today top 150 best sellers list for 63 weeks between May 2003 and August 2005, reaching the peak position of number 31.
Amazingly witty and informative.
This is a very well written book. The writer writes in an old fashioned witty style alas seldom seen nowadays. I bought more examles of the book to send to my children and best fiends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays    2. General    3. Popular works    4. Science    5. Science (General)    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Travel    8. Travel / General   

Reviews (1)

An absolute must
I went to sleep last night angry that I had to sleep and got up early, angry that I had not gotten up early enough to finish "Through the Children's Gate." As I finish this short review, I finish the book. Its last paragraphs I delayed reading because, as I neared the end, I realized how much I dreaded reaching the end. Now that I have, I'm eagerly awaiting the next collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Description And Travel    5. Family    6. Gopnik, Adam    7. Home    8. New York    9. New York (State)    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Psychological aspects    12. Social Psychology    13. Social aspects    14. Travelers    15. United States - Mid Atlantic - New York City    16. United States - Northeast - Middle Atlantic (General)    17. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (43)

A Brilliant Addition To A Great Story
I can recall being 13 years old at summer camp in 1977 when I read the incredible non fiction book "Alive" by Piers Paul Read. It was a story that haunted me and stayed in my memory for many years. As I came of age, I wondered what had become of the two "expeditionaries", Nando Parrado and Roberto Cannessa, who traipsed their way for 10 days out of the wreckage of the fuselage of the wrecked Uruguayan Fairchild and through the Andes to freedom and rescue. It was then, a great thrill, to have Nando and Vince Rause write this awe-inspiring followup 30 years later. The factual chronology that Read used were incredible, but this firsthand account takes the story to a different, more personal level. His daily struggle to survive, both physically and spiritually, are nothing short of extraordinary. To paraphrase Nando, the opposite of death IS LOVE. This is a book that makes one believe it and seek to live it.

This book has the power to change your life!
First let me say I read about a book a week and this is the best book I have ever read.If your not hooked by page 42 or so I dont know what book could hold your attention.This story, this incredible story of the will to survive and the process the human mind goes through in the face of unimaginable pain, suffering and starvation should be manditory reading for everyone.

Even the casual reader will be glued til the end
After reading an excerpt of the book in a outdoors magazine, I knew I had to buy and read this entire book. I am not a frequent reader, and I feared that I would end up buying this and not finishing it as I so often do. But I knew just a few pages into the book that I would finish it. I had too many questions that I knew would be answered if I finished it. The only real certain part(having never seen the movie 'Alive!') was that Nando would make it out, since he wrote the book. But past that, I had no idea who would and wouldnt survive and the series of events about to unfold.
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Subjects:  1. Aircraft accidents    2. Andes Region    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Cannibalism    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Survival after airplane accidents, shipwrecks, etc    10. Travelers    11. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (3)

Lives up to the Pirate Soul Museum!
Croce's Pirate Soul book is an amazing achievement in that it captures a large part of the history, interactive entertainment and pirate lore residing within Croce's one of a kind Pirate museum in Key West, FL. This is no small feat given the quality and scope (over 500 authentic artifacts) of the museum and is a testament to Pat's emerging presence as the foremost pirate expert. Whether you wish to relive your Pirate Soul museum experience or get a taste of the world's largest collection of pirate artifacts, this book is a must read!

the perfect pirate book!!
this book is a major WOW!everything you'd ever want to know about the golden age of piracy while making the trip so fun and hands on.i just keep going back through it and finding more and more "stuff"!i love just leaving it out on my coffee table -- no one is shy about playing with it and talking about it. a great gift this holiday season for all pirate lovers.

Brilliant interactive adventure and wonderful learning experience
Croce has introduced a whole new way of learning about Pirates that children and adults can enjoy.This book makes the experience of reading to your child truly enjoyable.The numerous 3-D representation of Pirate artifacts is a great way to tell the story.The playing cards, fold-out map and the Henry Every's "Wanted" poster are brilliant additions to this book.My children (all ages 6 and below) were fascinated by the history and Pirate culture.There are many imitations, but this book is the real deal!!!!!Buy it for you, your child (as a treasure/keepsake) and for a relative!!!!Worth every bit of the price!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Maritime History    6. Navigation    7. Reference    8. Travel writing    9. World history: c 1500 to c 1750   

Reviews (4)

Disappointing
I bought this book thinking it would be new and different from all the other traveler's guides. I was sadly mistaken.I looked up my city - Boston.There is nothing described that you couldn't find on the internet for free. In addition, the recommended restaurants are either tired old spots that are just riding on their reputations or yesterday's hot spots, which in my opinion, are overpriced and not that great.
the best travel book everq
Hands down, this is the best travel book I've ever read -- and I enjoyed reading it cover to cover, unlike many travel books. It's a combination of where to eat, stay and what to see as well as a fascinating history/commentary that really gives you a sense of what a city is like, the pulse. Apple is a fantastic writer and I trust his restaurant recommendations over any other writer/critic out there -- in the cities I know well, he's definitely included the best of the best eats, both high brow and low brow. I really hope he can update and re-publish his European guide soon. I don't want to travel anywhere without his guidance any more!

Good book for reading.
I had a wonderful time reading this book. Not bad. Go's into some interesting topics and covers the bases for the most part. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Cities and towns    3. Description And Travel    4. Guidebooks    5. Travel    6. Travel - United States    7. United States    8. United States - General    9. Travel & holiday guides    10. USA   

Reviews (70)

Bundle with Party Italy
Wow, what a blast I had. I found some cool off the beaten path things to do with Rick Steves and then turned to my Party Italy book to live it up and have the most amazing time. What a great combination.

Rick Steves' Italy 2006
I would never go to Europe without his books!They are the best updated as far as sights, prices, hotels, food and travel hints.His books allow us to spend our time on only the best sights of Europe using his maps which are by far better than ones you can purchase there.They allow us to be our own travel guide.He shares where the best food is and where to get a clean-good nights sleep without breaking the bank.I can't believe how many people we run into using his books.Don't go without it!

Fantastic resource!
Very good book and gives one a look at what to do for the traveler versus a regular or typical tourist--covers the out-of-the-way places very well. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

Excellent Firsthand Accounts by a Veteran Journalist
Anyone who loves to read first-person accounts of current events will find this book exceptionally interesting. From its intriguing title, "Uncivilized Beasts and Shameless Hellions," to the text itself and the photographs included, the reader is presented with a tour of eleven locations around the world where veteran NPR journalist John F. Burnett found stories to report and personal experiences to describe. This book is one of the few nonfiction "page-turners" I have read in recent times. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put down. His writing is fluid and crisp and as impressive as his height (6' 7").
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Burnett, John F    7. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    8. Essays & Travelogues    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Radio (Performing Arts)    11. Radio journalists    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Millionaires    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - General    7. United States    8. United States - Pacific - Hawaii    9. Wealth    10. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    11. Taxation   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (148)

Falling angels and rising tides
Author John Berendt doesn't tell a story, so much as paint a portrait in The City of Falling Angels-appropriate, perhaps, since the American view of Venice is so colored by art and architecture. The reader gets a protrait of a Venice that is simultaneously cosmopolitan-the playground of nobility, titled and untitled-and provincial-Berendt's Venetians are often distrustful of outsiders, and frequently resentful of the millions of tourists who throng the city, bringing traffic, environmental decay-and money. Though it was once the seat of an empire, Venice today is as much a tourist town as Las Vegas or Orlando.
Another City - no angels
It just didn't do it for me.Like so many other people, I loved Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.It was such a rich, unexpected book and came alive in the reading.But, I fear John Berendt had only one in him - one great story.He found a crime and a city and another series of characters, but he just didn't find the magic.
John Berendt has a formula - and it works well.
John Berendt has a formula - and it works well.
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Subjects:  1. Description And Travel    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. Europe - Italy    4. History    5. History: World    6. Social History    7. Social life and customs    8. Travel - Foreign    9. Venice (Italy)    10. History / Social History   

Reviews (24)

Spanish in 10 Minutes a Day
This text is either for the very beginning beginner or a good review for the person who has been away from Spanish for a time.
A good Start
I have read almost all of the book. Along with the CDs I think the set would be very good for a beginner but not enough for adequate conversation. No conjugation rules mentioned. You have to be enrolled in a spanish teaching class to fill in the defecits that this set have. Overall I think my spanish improved alot from 0% spanish to 50% now,which is not bad to a beginner....

Wonderful Product
We are a homeschooling family and we were looking for a good beginning Spanish program.This program was recommended to me by several people so I thought we would give it a try.My daughter and I are learning together and we are finding this program easy to use and alot of fun.I think it would be a great program for older elementary (my daughter is 14) - adult.The CDs are a must because they teach you the correct pronouncation for each word.The stickers are a great way to incorporate Spanish into your everyday life. Excellent program. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to learning Spanish for educational purposes and for those who are planning a trip to a Spanish speaking country. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. English    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. Foreign Language Study    5. Self-instruction    6. Spanish    7. Spanish language    8. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    9. Travel / Europe / Spain & Portugal    10. Language self-study & phrasebooks    11. Spain   

Reviews (13)

Brings the politics and lives to the foreground as no professional politician's words could achieve.
The Prince of the Marshes And Other Occupational Hazards of a Year in Iraqprovides an unusual survey of Stewart's time as an interim and deputy governor in Iraq's marsh regions. His THE PLACES IN BETWEEN became a best seller and told of his walk across Afghanistan and encounters with the region's people; here he describes nearly a year in a remote, improvised marsh region in southern Iraq negotiating hostage releases, holding elections, and developing an uncertain government leadership. Any who would understand the peoples and politics of Iraq must read The Prince of Marshes: it brings the politics and lives to the foreground as no professional politician's words could achieve.
Wow*****Now I Understand
I am so glad that I brought this book. I wanted to understand some of the conditions and situations from an unbias view. Mr Stewart tells his story and does it well.If you truly want to learn more about Iraq, prepare yourselves and read this book. I would loved to meet this unique person just to shake his hand and say "well done".

Middle East in a Nutshell!
Rory, just so you know, your book is now a required reading in my conflict analysis and resolution course, at a graduate peace program in Washington DC. Your point well made! THANK YOU! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. British    7. Description and travel    8. Iraq    9. Iraq - History    10. Middle East - General    11. Military - General    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Social life and customs    14. Travel / Middle East / General   

Reviews (4)

Solving the mysteries of Easter Island
Near the end of "Aku-Aku," one of the archeologists working with Thor Heyerdahl admits to being astonished at yet another unexpected turn of events. A must for archeology fans
Though criticised as commercial and overexposed, Thor Heyerdahl must be considered as one of the first scientists in wide spreading his archeological knowledge in an amusing and understandable way to common readers. And this book is a clear example of his effort. After his scientific expedition to Easter Island in 1957, Thor Heyerdahl wrote this fascinating book of discoveries, new theories and adventures. It was such a pleasure for me reading it that I can only recommend it.

Mysteries of Easter Island Explored
A good book if your interested in Easter Island.It was not quite as interesting a read as Heyerdahl's "Kon-Tiki" however.It tends to focus on the natives currently living on the island more than those whocreated the statues the island is famous for.But, criticisms aside,Heyerdahl proved again to be a very adept writer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology    2. Antiquities    3. Description and travel    4. Easter Island   

Reviews (4)

Great learning tool
This book is a wonderful tool for anyone that wishes to learn the anatomy of a horse. I use it with my animal massage and animal communication clients to better show exactly where on the horse they have an issue. It is nice for those people that do not want to see the anatomy of a cadaver animal.

Wonderful learning tool!
I am an instructor/trainer and this book is wonderful for informing students how the horses body is put together and why some horses move differently than others. It also gives the student a chance to see the inside workings of the horse so that they better understand the vet and farrier when they have to explain what is wrong with the horse and treatment options. This book would also benefit anyone who wants to know more about the horse's anatomy. Not to mention it is fun to color!

Nice Muscle Sketches
I wish that I had this book last year. I did a muscle and joint force project for which I needed detailed muscle diagrams of the horse's hindquarters. When I needed the illustrations, of course, I could not find any that had the appropriate level of detail (not online, through videos, books, etc). For this reason when I recently saw this book it. I would strongly recommend that any other rider or person with a starting interest in horse healthcare do the same. This is an excellent addition to a equine reference library.
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Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Atlases - General    3. Horses    4. Pets    5. Reference    6. Anatomy    7. Equine veterinary science    8. Horse    9. Veterinary    10. Veterinary anatomy & physiology   

Editorial Review

From primordial nothingness to this very moment, Read more

Reviews (471)

The Joy of Educational Remediation
This is one of the books I wished someone would write.My knowledge of science past and present was wanting and yet there wasn't a single book written for (and by) someone in the same boat.Bill Bryson has written such a book and brillantly over-achieved in the process.In the spirit of full disclosure, I like nearly everything Mr. Bryson has written.He can be pedantic and peevish when describing the less than admirable characters and circumstances he encounters but he's always very funny.Having said that, this physically ponderous tome made me wonder whether he could sustain his humor while at the same time educating the reader over all those hundreds of pages.Miraculously, his choice of anecdotes and pacing is spot on.It is extremely readable and there are wonderful factoids and "ah ha" moments on nearly every page.Life is short and this book is not but it's absolutely worth the trade-off.

Fun and engaging history of modern science
Well written and fun to read.Bill Brysons style really creates a nice true story, complete with the quirks and oddities of the charecters depicted.Highly recomended if you are interested in the history of science, or if you just enjoy a fun and educational read.

A Good Read for the Basics
This is a good book.And, like all Bill Bryson's work, it is wonderfully written with such a sense of humor! Bryson is very good at finding facts as well as funny historical anecdotes and idiosyncrasies.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. Philosophy & Social Aspects    4. Popular works    5. Questions & Answers    6. Science    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Trivia   

Reviews (150)

we love this guide book
We definitely love our REVEALED guide books.They're very informative, covering the islands like no other guide book I've seen.The writers are honest (and not always positively so) which helped us decide what we wanted to see and do, and to know what we can skip for whatever reason.We found the remarks to be right on track with what we found while there.If you're looking for a very well written, humorous, and detailed guide book, this is it.We brought ours with us as we drove around, constantly finding things to do and see.The history and island lore made it even more interesting.

Great Insight on an Interesting Island
Just returned from a great visit to the Big Island, made even greater by this book.Went from lava fields to rain forests in less than 2 hours and took some incredible back road tours that would have been impossible without this book.Found directions very clear, restaurant reviews impeccable and site reviews invaluable.On top of all that, authors have a very enjoyable way of writing, which my entire family enjoyed.Do get this book.I had also taken the Fodor and Frommer books, which I rarely opened.

Pretty Good Guidebook
We just returned from Hawaii, and stayed 5 days on the Big Island.We used this and another guidebook.For the most part, it was most useful and accurate.I can recommend the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel    2. Travel - United States    3. United States - Pacific - Hawaii    4. United States - West - Pacific (General)    5. Hawaii The Big Island, Hawaii    6. Travel / United States / West / Pacific (AK, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA)   

Reviews (8)

A Must Have!
First of all, please note that this is a coffee table-type book. It is oversized and oddly-shaped. So if that bothers you, steer clear.
Appropriate title!
I bought this book because my dad's side of the family is Irish and I'd hoped to one day go.The book is a gorgeous addition to my photography book collection...and my desire to go to Ireland has been upgraded from 'one day hope to go' to 'can't wait to go!'.
Absolutely Beautiful
The photos in this book are gorgeous. Anyone who has been or wants to go to Ireland should look at this book. Those who have never been will want to go when they see the beauty of the land depicted in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Ireland    2. Historical sites    3. Individual Photographer    4. Photography    5. Travel    6. Travel - World/Europe   

Reviews (1)

Lovely exquisite coffee table book
I ordered my copy direct from Time Life and it came in the mail yesterday; I was truly impressed; I heard about the Seychelles Islands, but who knew it was that lovely; the flat as pancake Maldive Islands impressed me as well; How they got through the tsunami is nothing short but a miracle; To see the pictures of these islands are beautiful. Closer to home, The Natchez Trace and how it started really impressed me to check it out; Of course, The Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty(which I'vebeen to) was all interesting; Highly recommended for the wanderlust among us; ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collections Of Photographs    2. Photo Techniques    3. Photoessays & Documentaries    4. Photography    5. Photography Of Specific Subjects    6. Photojournalism    7. Subjects & Themes - Travel - General    8. History / General    9. Photographs: collections    10. Places & peoples: general interest