Reviews (47)

a genuine journey of discovery
This is a fascinating book, a well told tale, and a genuine journey of discovery. Stewart combines a physically demanding expedition with cultural exploration and, in the process, achieves genuine insight into lives most of us will never have the faintest conception of. Some reviews of the book (e.g. Washington Post) miss the critical element of the journey that sets it apart from books that are entirely expeditionary in nature (like mountains climbed and rivers rafted) - and that is the Muslim cultural proclivity to welcome / shelter / feed travelers no matter how desperately poor they may be (and most in rural Afghanistan are very poor indeed).A critical talent that allowed Stewart to achieve this (besides his keen wit and prodigous writing skills) is his linguistic diversity, which allowed him to do what he did without getting killed or dying in the process. When the British Special Forces declare him a f'g nutter I found myself smiling along with Stewart at his formidable achievement.

A little shy of cultural insights
I would actually give this book a 3.5, but that's not an option.I think I was expecting a broader range of cultural insights from this book.The first half got a bit tedious and sometimes read more like an itinerary than an elucidating journal.The second half perked up for me; I admit this could be because the actual terrain improved and people themselves were more colorful and friendly.In the end, I did take away something from this book and do have a better idea of what Afghanistan's mountain region is about.I passed the book on to a friend this weekend as a suggested read.But the fact that I did this is a testament to my reaction to the book, for I never give away books that I love.Perhaps one day I'll come to regret it!And I can say, I don't regret having read this book.

Five-star rating for Stewart's experience; three stars for his writing of it
Try as I might, I couldn't quite enjoy "The Places In Between," Rory Stewart's travelogue from his walk across post-Taliban Afghanistan.Stewart is an amazing young man, brilliant and courageous, and his trek is an ambitious, noble effort.But his writing was so dispassionate, so resolutely matter-of-fact, that I quickly stopped caring.
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Subjects:  1. Afghanistan    2. Asia - Central    3. Description And Travel    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. History    6. History: World    7. Middle East - General    8. Middle East - History - 20th Century    9. Modern - 20th Century    10. Social life and customs    11. Stewart, Rory    12. Travel    13. Travel - General    14. Travel / Middle East / General   

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 (65)

Unchristian
Dalrymple's 1994 reenactment of the 6th century Christian spiritual journey of John Moschos and Sophronios is fascinating, and its author a compelling writer. There, the value of this book ends.
A book transcending itself
A trip through the Middle-East is most of all getting to know the Muslim world. The part of its' history from Byzantine times, meaning the presence and history of Christian settlements,is easily forgotten or at least figures in the background only. After having read this book the Middle-East will never be the same to me again. With the exception of the Armenian genocide,I was hardly aware of all tragedies which happened but most of all: which are today still happeningto the very old Christian communities of these countries. Not only are they in permanent danger of being killed, often with no punishment of the perpetrators from the authorities, and have they already been driven out of places where they lived since a 1500 years, also their ancient buildings, art, manuscripts, possessions of huge historic meaning, are being destroyed. As these communities and their material heritage represent much of the roots of Western civilization, this loss is a huge loss for the history of mankind. What's going on is a complete annihilation of the wonderful mosaic of different civilizations this world once produced. As since many years but now more than ever the Middle-East is the focus of world politics,"From the Holy Mountain" should be read by a much wider group of people than lovers of good travelogues or lovers of these countries only. A most important and readable study, implicating a plea for tolerance and respect, it should be a must-read for all politicians in the world.
Zeal For Ecclesiastical Arcana
Yes! My title nabbed from the Amazon reviewer. Dalrymple's journey through the middle east, retraces the Byzantine traveller-monlk, John Moschos, author of, The Spiritual Meadow'. In the late C6th, accompanied by his pupil, he set to gather the wisdom of the desert fathers from Mt Athos, to Kurdisatan, then south through Syria, the Lebanon, Palestine, and on up the Nile. Dalrymple's trip in the early 90s was frought with tensions which today would cause an angel trepidation. The book was a revelation to me, filling in considerable gaps about the foundation and correlations of so many parties in the fermenting region. Muslim fundamentlists provide stiff opposition to Dalrymple's historical and current enquiries. But they are not unique in this. His evocation of place is crisply poetic and touched with memorable detail. His feel for people is very sympathetic. A work justly applauded. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Greece    2. Ancient - Rome    3. History - General History    4. Middle East - General    5. Religion    6. Travel   

Reviews (4)

Eyewitness Travel Guide to Egypt
Very nice -- as I have found most Eyewitness Guides.Well organized, current, accurate as far as I could tell.I agreed with reviews of small number/small sample of restuarants and hotels.Guide enhanced an excellent trip!

Fabulous guide
Comprehensive, pictorial.The guide we always look for when planning a trip.

Highly recommended
I've been highly satisfied with the Eyewitness Travel Guide series, and this Egypt edition does not disappoint.Maps are clear and helpful, photos help to explain all of the rich history and culture of Egypt.We brought the Lonely Planet Egypt book with us as well, but we found the Eyewitness Travel Guide to be clearer and simpler to use.
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Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Egypt    3. Guidebooks    4. Middle East - Egypt    5. Middle East - General    6. Travel    7. Travel - Foreign    8. Travel / Middle East / Egypt   

Reviews (25)

A "must-have"
The collaborative effort of travel experts Virginia Maxwell, Mary Fitzpatrick, Siona Jenkins, and Anthony Sattin, Egypt is now in its newly updated and expanded eighth edition as the author-researched, traveler-tested guide from Lonely Planet to experiencing the wonder of the Land of the Pharaohs, whether on a business or pleasure trip. Black-and-white and color maps and photographs illustrate this information-packed guide to key locations in Cairo, the Nile Valley, the Western Desert, the Suez Canal, the Red Sea Coast, and much more. History, hours and admission costs of landmarks, a handful of useful words, and a crash-course in adapting to unfamiliarities of Egyptian culture are among the many useful features that make the 8th edition of Egypt a "must-have".
Seems straightforward and comprehensive
Although my trip is still in the planning stages - leave in 2 months - this book has been a real help.I'm learning about Egyptian customs, how to travel in a Muslim nation without undue problems and how to take their beliefs and customs into account.Hopefully this will make me not only a better guest in their country, but a better ambassador for my country.

Making the Trip a Good One
I have found Lonely Planet Egypt to be just what I wanted as I plan a long visit there next winter.
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Subjects:  1. Egypt    2. Guidebooks    3. Middle East - Egypt    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (36)

Loved it!
I absolutly loved this book! I recieved for my birthday a year ago and I still look at it! It is not just a reading book, its a hands on book with fasinating information. Great gift for kids, my younger sister collects the series and loves them.

For Egypt Lovers!!!
Although this was a children's book, it was amazing!I am 21 years old and it captivated me really fast.I'm gonna admit that I am not much of a reader.But, I am very fascinated by Egyptian stuff.So, when I saw this book, I knew that I had to have it! I t was a great buy!Now I want the other books in the serie! It was a great book for children to read.But, if you collect books about egypt, this might be an interesting one for you to pick up!

WOW!
This book is utterly amazing! It has many things you can pull out and open and read. For example, the game Senet is in there! Plus the story of Miss Sands is very interesting. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in egypt! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Antiquities    3. Children's All Ages - History - General History    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 3-4    6. Egypt    7. Historical - Ancient Civilizations    8. Historical - General    9. Interactive Adventure    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Middle East - Egypt    12. Specimens    13. Toy and movable books    14. Juvenile Fiction / Interactive Adventures   

Reviews (11)

Beautiful, Detailed, Easy to Use...What More Could You Want?
My husband and I were in Jerusalem in May 2006. I took DK's Jerusalem and the Holy Land guidebook, which includes tons of beautiful color photos and maps. My husband took the more academic Oxford archaeological guide, The Holy Land. At most points of interest we'd draw out our respective books and consult them, comparing what each one had to say. After a day or so I began to get the distinct impression that my darling assumed his book would be much superior to mine, which is obviously aimed at the average tourist. As the days went by, though, he had to concede that the DK guide was as good, or perhaps better, than the Oxford book. The maps are excellent. Also, for a book that contains so many illustrations, it still packed in a ton of helpful detail and is beautifully written. The information on history and culture is also excellent. All this, and yet it is very compact and durable, so is ideal for toting around.
the information is very useful
The colourful photos are good for travellers to have a preview before they have the journey. The information is very useful that I learn a lot and know more about the history, culture and daily life of the Holy City.

Packed with details in concise summaries, easily portable
I am a big fan of DK books! I have used this book with pleasure on two recent trips to Israel and plan to use it again on my next trip. It was such a hit that my colleagues have borrowed it as well. It fit easily inside my medium-sized purse. Each of the major tourist areas is detailed in a 1-2 page spread, which is packed with lots of info, beautiful photos and maps as applicable. I was able to learn all I needed to know about currency, traveling within the country, regional food/wine, security, etc. The Via Dolorosa and Old Jaffa maps were particularly useful. The map of down-town Tel Aviv did not cover enough area, but local maps were available in my hotel for free and purchase. It does not contain the particulars on hotels and restaurants that are typical of a Fodor's guide. However, if you are traveling with a tour group, then you won't need this detail as most of your trip will be prearranged. Due to security precautions, you probably will want to get restaurant recommendations from a hotel concierge anyway. This book is also a great visual tour for someone who wants to experience Israel but is unable to travel there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Description and travel    2. Guidebooks    3. Israel    4. Jerusalem    5. Middle East - Israel    6. Travel    7. Travel - Foreign    8. Travel / Middle East / Israel   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (77)

A Delightful Journey
The reader will travel with the author throughout the Middle East, following the steps of the patriarchs through the beginnings of the conquest by Joshua, in source of a connection with history and ultimately a divine spark. This author is very easy to read and provides colorful descriptions of his surroundings that allow the reader to be there. Throughout the book is an undercurrent of "Why can't we just all get along!"
A Wonderful Guide to the Lands of the Bible for People of all Faiths
I've been a fan of Bruce Feiler's writing after watching him on C-Span's Book TV talk about his first book about Abraham. This must have been about four or five years ago now. I went out to purchase ABRAHAM and discovered a treasure. Feiler brings many gifts and talents to writing, particularly religious writing. First of all he writes about issues regarding faith from the point of view of one who practices his faith. Like many of his readers, his journey to faith has not been a straight path which seems to give him a good perspective on the questions people are asking. He also has a fluid writing style and is able to weave personal memoir, always interesting and at times moving stories, geography, history, and theology together to create a great read.
Succeeds despite itself...
Walking the Bible is not among the better travel writing I've read primarily because it focuses more on the author than the locations he visited.Feiler did get around:from Turkey to Egypt, from the Negev to the Sinai, from Jerusalem to Jordan, but he minimizes the narrative elements one typically associates with good travel writing for a seemingly endless array of personal epiphanies. Despite it's subtitle, Walking the Bible is more a journey by catharsis through Bruce Feiler's mind than a journey by land through the five books of Moses.Thus, beyond his ubiquitous food metaphors, a descriptive presence is often found wanting.
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Subjects:  1. Antiquities & Archaeology    2. Bible    3. Bible - Study - Old Testament    4. Bible.    5. Description and travel    6. Feiler, Bruce S    7. Feiler, Bruce S.    8. Geography    9. Middle East    10. Middle East - General    11. Museums, Tours, Points of Interest    12. O.T.    13. Pentateuch    14. Religion    15. Travel    16. Travel - General    17. Journeys    18. Religion / Antiquities & Archaeology    19. Essays & Travelogues    20. Judaism - History   

Reviews (3)

Excellent
All rough guides that I have encountered are chock full of great information.The Egypt guide in particular is one of the best.The number of maps is fantastic and the quality of the information is comparable to what you usually have to visit the site to obtain.

Saves money big time
I went to Egypt in February 2006 with my wife and our two boys (5 and 2.5 years).Although we took a package tour to Hurghada, we actually overnighted there only three nights of the eleven we were in Egypt.The rest we spent moving around (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, busses, train, cruise ship, jeep).For the whole trip we spent around 1000 USD plus the package.We could have easily spent twice as much (or, more precisely -- seen twice as little because the budget was limited) if not the hints in the book.
Great So Far
I arrived in Egypt this week and have been using this guide to help me get aquainted with it.I don't have any other guides to compare it to, but I can say that the organization, writing, maps, extras, and overall quality of the book seem to be excellent.It has been very helpful so far.
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Subjects:  1. Egypt    2. Guidebooks    3. Middle East - Egypt    4. Reference - Guides (General)    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel Guides    8. Travel & holiday guides    9. Travel / Middle East / Egypt   

Reviews (5)

EXTREMELY PLEASANT PICTURE BOOK
I will not add too much to what the other reviewers have opined on this magnificent book.It is gorgeously illustrated with superior photographs and interesting drawings and geographical overviews. i drool whenever i look at this book
i don't have this book yet. i have already told hubby that he's getting it for me for valentines. everytime i go into the bookstore, i take it off the shelf and spend about a half hour just leafing through it and looking at the pictures. if you are not sure whether you want to put out the money to buy this book, do yourself a favor and see if they have a copy at the bookstore and look through it. i know you'll be convinced that it's worth the price. i plan on ordering my book rather than buying it off the shelf. there are several fold out sections in the book and i want to make sure they are in good shape. the pictures of the temples and tombs in the book are great. also lots of maps. i admit, i'm an egyptology geek, but i think anyone who is interested in egypt will enjoy this book. if egypt is a hobby/passion, this book is a must have. i know it's a bit pricey, but you're payig for a book full of fantastic color photographs and you defintiely get what you are playing for. you get your money's worth with this book. my only regret is that i have to wait 6 weeks til i can have my copy in my hot lil' hands. :)

Splendid book on Egypt's splendors
I first saw this book after a four-week trip to Egypt, where our travels included as much as we could see between the relocated monument Ramses II built in honor of himself at Abu Simbel to the vicinity of El-Qahira (Cairo) and its monuments and museums. This book is the one I have chosen to "keep my memories fresh" and share them with others- it is that good, and more. The illustrations are brilliant; the informative text is thorough and illuminating without being pedantic or burying the photos and drawings. I only wish the Cairo Museum had books as good as this one! If you love Egypt, this book will live an active life on your coffee table. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Ancient Egypt - History    3. Antiquities    4. Archaeology / Anthropology    5. Civilization    6. Egypt    7. Middle East - Egypt    8. Pictorial works    9. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Africa    10. To 332 B.C    11. Travel    12. African history: BCE to c 500 CE    13. Ancient World    14. Photographs: collections   

Reviews (1)

Postponed Trip
Because of the attack on Israel, we decided postpone our tour. The book looks very interesting, but right now it is irrelevant. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Israel    3. Middle East - Israel    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Travel / Middle East / Israel   

Editorial Review

Bruce Feiler's latest book combines now familiar elements into his own peculiar, delightful alchemy.Any particular page may be found effortlessly weaving together strands of theology, biblical exegesis, physical exploration, history and personal reflection as Feiler continues his journey of discovery, looking at the common roots of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.The Middle East has become a more dangerous place since the writing of his first book in this vein, Read more

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Reviews (18)

Illuminating History
Enlarged my understanding of Biblical history and provided background for todays problems in that part of the country. Everyone needs to read.

Sign of our times
Today, our culture scoffs at believing the Bible, as a result it is not at all fashionable to actually read it. So, unsurprisingly, it is a sign of our times that this book's many mistakes would go unnoticed by the vast majority.
Traveling Thru Time
I thoroughly enjoy reading Bruce Feiler's journeys in the Bible lands and his insights.It doesn't matter that he is Jewish and I am a Christian.I learn so much about the Old Testament it makes me want to research the Bible further and gain my own perspective using this book as a useful tool.
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Subjects:  1. Arab-Israeli conflict    2. Bible    3. Description And Travel    4. General    5. History    6. Iran    7. Iraq    8. Old Testament    9. Palestine    10. Religion    11. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    12. Religion / Bible / General    13. Bargain   

Reviews (8)

Great book if you need to learn Hebrew quickly
I don't know how much I would have liked this book if I was learning Hebrew from afar, but a few years ago, I found out on two week's notice that I was going to Israel for six months.I had to get a workable knowledge of Hebrew in a short period of time.I carried the pocket pal card and the grocery card everywhere, and the flash cards were great.I like the style of the workbook - it is fun and entertaining.You definitely need the discipline to repeat things to learn much, though, as with any language learning.I clearly don't know Hebrew well enough to know about inaccuracies, but it was great for me, teaching me the basics very quickly.

For best results use in conjunction with Pimsluer tapes
The book is very good, it makes the learning process fun, the stickers and flashcards are great, too! Also constantly writing the words allows you to learn the spellings better than you would with other language learning tools. I am new to learning hebrew and I found this book quite helpful. Although I must agree some of the words are transliterated incorrectly (how do i know? I spent a few months in Israel). Anyways what was most effective to me was using this book as a suppliment to the Pimsluer languge learning tapes. Since the tapes usually come with no text supliment but generally cover the same material as this book, the two compliment eachother quite nicely. Using the tapes will also overcome the transliteration problems since you will HEAR the words being spoken (it will also help you nail down the accent). Also the book will help you understand what they are saying on the tapes more correctly (sometimes the speaker doesn't say the words as clear as you would like.)
Always a Variance
I have been a student of Biblical Hebrew for over 3 years.But I've also investigated modern pronunciation.Interestingly, one will not find any consistency (I've found about half a dozen modern variations, both for consonants and for vowels, a total of about 12 pronunciation systems).A living language by definition means constant change and dialects existing side by side.Read more

Subjects:  1. Conversation and phrase books    2. English    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. Foreign Language Study    5. Hebrew    6. Hebrew language    7. Language    8. Self-instruction    9. Travel / Middle East / Israel    10. Jewish studies    11. Language & Linguistics    12. Middle East - Israel    13. Travel   

Reviews (6)

Egyptian-Arabic This Book is a Must !!!!
This book is outstanding! It gives you everything that you will need. One thing I would advise is to couple it with something audible because the Egyptian language is very particular in pronunciations. Most of their vowel sounds are quite a bit different from English. Just one slip of the tongue and you could be saying "I want to go to the bathroom" or "I want to eat pigeon"
Don't Go To Egypt Without This!!!!
I love this book!!! When in Egypt this June, I used it to my heart's content. Thanks to this book, I have learned very much in speaking the Arabic language. Being a student of Arabic, I found this small phrasebook even more efficient in teaching me than my textbook from school! It is simply awesome. Although the grammar could have been talked about more, I found this book a life-saver in many situations while being in North Africa. This book will teach you pronunciation, the Arabic alphabet, numbers, and thousands of useful phrases whilst in Egypt. The best Arabic-learning tool out there!

Excellent Arabic Phrasebook!
This is one of the most thorough, and easy to use Arabic phrasebooks I have ever used. Covers traveler's issues (tickets, directions, hotels, etc), but also includes food/eating, health/emergencies, entertainment, general conversation, and other everyday topics as well. I highly recommend this book for anyone who will be visiting or living in Arabic-speaking parts of the world. Great for students of Arabic as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arabic    2. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    3. Foreign Language Study    4. Multi-Language Phrasebooks    5. Travel    6. Egyptian    7. Language self-study & phrasebooks   

Editorial Review

This colorful and thoughtfully arranged guide provides easy access to Thai history and culture,religion and politics, music, sports, and festivals. From Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Phuket to Ko Samui, themany pleasures, diversions, sites, and activities are detailed in a conveniently usable format. Orchid parksand elephant training centers, wats and Buddhas, beaches, treks, museums, and rainforests--it's all there toperuse and choose. With lists of hotels and restaurants, information on shopping, whitewater rafting, golf,diving, Thai massage, and lots of maps and pictures, Dorling-Kindersley has put together a guide that's bothpractical and beautiful. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

This is simply a gem
This is a good quality book, something you could open and open again.
Traveling To Thailand?
I found Eyewitness Travel Guide for Thailand very informative, and easy to read.It had tons of pictures, facts, FYIs, and did I mention pictures?Like Eyewitness I agree that a picture is worth a thousand words.I also bought Lonely Planet's Travel Guide for Thailand, but liked Eyewitness' much better.Lonely Planet's Travel Guide had a more standard layout for the abundant amount of facts, but was limited on the pictures.The phrase at the bottom of Eyewitness' book holds true, "The Guides That Show You What Others Only Tell You."

Out Of Date
This is a great book with beautiful pictures, maps and nice glossy color pages. The only problem being that it is out of date! Having said that, I would not recommend it for your guide book if travelling to Thailand. Wait for an updated issue.Read more

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

Subjects:  1. Asia - Southwest    2. Description And Travel    3. Elliot, Jason    4. Essays & Travelogues    5. Iran    6. Travel    7. Travel - General    8. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Reviews (25)

Best travel book I've read
The author has written an engaging, entertaining, beautifully discriptive book of Yemen.I visited Sana'a about 15 years ago and his book really hits the mark.I particularly enjoy how Mr. Hansen captures the culture and attitudes of the Yemen.He knows that that that culture is 180 degrees from Western culture and he treats Yemeni religion, customs and attitudes with respect and openness - yet does not patronize as do many other travel books.
Yemen, Beneath the Veil
I second the views of several reviewers that this is one of the best travel books they've ever read.Hansen takes us through Yemen as if we were riding (or sailing) with him.I never gave much thought to or knew much about Yemen but, thanks to Hansen, I have a new and positive view of it.His willingness to get out and experience many facets of this country enriches his descriptions.His good humor and sensitivity to its people are gratifying. But this is more than just a travelogue.Hansen's quest for his buried notebooks is a compelling story in itself.That plot and this venue combine to make this an irresistible and meritorious book. I look forward to reading more from this intrepid and gifted writer.

Perhaps, one of the best travel books I have ever read.
Having read literally hundreds of travelogues, I must say this is simply one of the finest I have ever run into. Eric's experiences are unusually wonderful, and his writing is magical. His focus on the Yemeni people and their lives and experiences make this book far more engaging than travelogues that focus on personal experiences, interpretations or places visited and described.
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Subjects:  1. (Eric K.)    2. Asia - China    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Description    5. Description and travel    6. Essays & Travelogues    7. Hansen, Eric    8. Special Interest - Adventure    9. Travel    10. Travel - General    11. Yemen    12. Journeys    13. Red Sea    14. Travel / Adventure    15. Travel writing   

Reviews (3)

Nice book, Great City
I am going back to Istanbul and Turkey for the fourth time. I am buying a copy of this after seeing the library copy.
Lonely Planet Istanbul
This guide is loaded with information about Istanbul.I have found it very useful in planning my trip.i had at first bought another istanbul guide and found it to be really lacking in substance.Mostly pictures, not much text, lots of platitudes designed to dazzle you, and made of heavy paper that is a drag to carry around.the lonely planet guide is lightweight, informative, good maps, and enough pictures to satisfy.

Oversells the city.Functional.
This books makes Istanbul sound better than it is.While the "relative" descriptions were accurate (such as place A is better than place B) I was not nearly as impressed by the city as it was described in the book.
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Subjects:  1. Guidebooks    2. Istanbul (Turkey)    3. Middle East - General    4. Middle East - Turkey    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Turkey   

Reviews (3)

Self- serving mendacious drivel
There are two kinds of critics. One tries to look at the objective reality, and make criticisms which might be useful, and lead to improvement. The other is biased, and so distorted in judgment that simple facts are turned upside down to make the case. Reinhart is the latter sort. Most recently she has been broadcasting the out- and - out fiction that Israel intended to occupy Lebanon and used the kidnapping of its soldiers there as pretext for doing so. In fact the Israel is already out of Lebanon, would never have gone in had Israel not been attacked by Hizbollah.
A Brilliant and Timely Book
Tanya Reinhart's detailed account of the tragic Israeli aggression against the Palestinian population is courageous and timely. This thoroughly referenced book is a must for anybody who wants to understand what is really happening in Israel and Palestine. With the Israeli propaganda machine saturating the media with misinformation this book provides an insight on the actions, true intentions and expansionate policies of the current and past Israeli governments.
Trash
I could not find anything positive to say about this useless book.
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Subjects:  1. 1993-    2. Arab-Israeli conflict    3. Government policy    4. International Relations (Specific Aspects)    5. International Relations - Diplomacy    6. Israel    7. Middle East - Israel    8. Occupied territories    9. Palestinian Arabs    10. Political Ideologies - General    11. Political Science    12. Political Science (Specific Aspects)    13. Political activity    14. Politics / Current Events    15. Politics/International Relations    16. Sharon, Ariel    17. 21st century    18. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    19. Palestine    20. Political Science / General