Editorial Review

It's a traveler's life list, a guide, an inspiration, a memory book. Open it to check out where you've been, and where you should go next. What to see and what to do and what to show the kids. Where to eat and where to stay. And how to change your life.

Covering the U.S.A. and Canada like never before, here are 1,000 spectacular, compelling, essential, offbeat, utterly unforgettable places. Pristine beaches and national parks, world-class museums and the Corn Palace, mountain resorts, salmon-rich rivers, scenic byways, Chez Panisse and the country's best taco, lush gardens and Holden Arboretum, mountain biking on the Maah Daah Hey trail, historic mansions, vineyards, hot springs, the Talladega Superspeedway, classic ballparks, and more. Includes more than 150 places of special interest to families, and, for every entry, the nuts and bolts of how and when to visit. ... Read more

Reviews

1000 Places to Eat Before You Die, October 8, 2007
Let me get my chief complaints out of the way first: this author loves to eat. It sometimes seems that every other entry is a restaurant or local culinary hot-spot, from "Cheese Country" to "Big Pig Jig." These are not destinations, they're cuisines. Subtract those, and you probably have a book better titled 900 Places to See Before You Die. (Assuming all the eating doesn't kill you at number 600.)

Another minor quibble: some of the "places" are actually events, like Burning Man and the Indianapolis 500. I'll overlook it...

She also likes to go in style, and apparently hasn't met a spa she didn't like. Subtract all the ultra-ritzy exclusive hotel/spas, sculpture gardens, resorts, dude ranches and expensive art galleries, which are likely either of out reach financially or simply not of interest to a large base of the potential audience, and you're down to 500 Places to See.

So, then, if you can get it for half price, you've got a bargain.

Now, onto the good things. There are many, despite my protestations above. First is the very idea of the book. It's fun and interesting to see such a list compiled; invariably something important gets left out, but what is created by the greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts compilation is a true sense of America as a destination in its own right, worth of as much attention as any other in the world.

Also, I was made aware of many places I wouldn't have found otherwise, like the Yoder Popcorn Shoppe in Topeka, Indiana. There are many hidden treasures in these pages.

Finally, despite being top-heavy with attractions for the chic looky-loo set as mentioned above, the book is saved from being completely out of touch by its inclusion of attractions that appeal to a broad section of people (as would befit a book about America). Burning Man Festival is here, as is the State Fair of Texas, the Civil Rights Trail, and others.

My strong recommendation is that a second book be created called "1000 Places to Dine Before You Die," (though the publisher may not want to have the words "dine" and "die" so close together), and all the restaurant entries removed from this and placed there. Then the gap filled with what got left out of this book and should have been in in the first place.

Updating my Travel To-Do List Right Now, June 28, 2007
I asked for (and received) this book for my birthday. I am so glad I did!
I have traveled a lot in the US and am working on seeing the rest of the world, but wanted to know what I was missing here in the US. I anxiously flipped through the book and made a note next to each place I had visited.
I was amazed and impressed to find locations just a few miles from my home that I had never seen. I'll be visiting soon.
I am sure I will think of a couple of places that (I think) should have been included. Overall, though, this book is very comprehensive. It is fun and easy to read.
Nice touches inside include web links, phone numbers, etc. for each of the places. I also like the way the book is indexed in the back: active travel and adventure, culinary experiences, glorious nature, great golf, scenic drives, take the kids, etc. This makes it easy to search for a particular type of site, even if you don't know exactly what part of the country you want to see.

An inspiring read for travellers of all ilk!, May 29, 2007
I loved Patricia Schultz's 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, and gave away copies to friends who loved travelling. This second follow-up, 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die is another winner. Though Canada is not as comprehensively covered as the USA, the book serves its purpose - to entertain and inspire, even armchair travellers like me. There are enough nuggets of information in here, and a treasure trove of ideas that can keep most aspiring/keen travellers happy, content, and entertained.

Cool book!, July 18, 2007
This is a fun book. The reader can build vacations around it. The work is based on the philosophy that (page x):

". . .travel has always been based on removing myself from what is comfortable and safe, on seeking out experiences that broaden my horizons and enrich me in ways superficial and profound."

The author also notes that she (page xiii) ". . .discovered time and again the country that is my home."

I'm from Illinois originally, so I immediately looked at the sites in the Prairie State. Many of these make a great deal of sense. Of course, one can always ask questions like: If Nauvoo, why not Bishop Hill? Still, good selections from my home state.

I lived in New York for quite awhile. I love the inclusion of the Anchor Bar (home of "Buffalo chicken wings"). I enjoyed the weekend jazz music and the wings. This is where Buffalo chicken wings began. The inevitable question: Why not the Genesee River Gorge? Once more, no criticism of the author's choices--just that there are a lot of possibilities that don't show up in the book.

Now, I live in Pennsylvania. And while I can understand the places included in this book, I also wonder why the exquisite Capitol Building of the Commonwealth in Harrisburg is not listed.

However, that is part of the charm of such books. Engaging in a dialogue with the authors' choices.

All in all, a very nice work and a good read.

Not Enough Stuff, July 23, 2007
I know there are so many places to see in the US and Canada, but this book really didn't do many places justice.

Just to name a couple....according to the book there is nothing to see in Florida north of Tampa. Have you never been to Pensacola? Seen McGuire's Restaurant, the Vietnam Memorial, The Air Museum. How about Flora-bama on the Florida-Alabama line. How about southern Illinois, have you ever been to Garden of the Gods? Shawnee National Forest, stayed at the lockmaster quarters on the Mississippi in Glocanda?

I realize, there are a thousand places to see in each state, but how many people can afford a trip to Charlie Trotter's in Chicago?

Just my opinion....

No Rick Steves, July 8, 2008
1,000 places to go before I die? More like 1,000 spas and resorts and resturants. Big deal - the more money you spend, the bigger the wall you create between yourself and the local culture. Who wants to know about exotic resorts and five star restaurants? Don't tell me about the big ticket items! Tell me about quirky offbeat places with personality and charm, things I cant get anywhere else. Tell me about Hole in the Rock, UT. Tell me about The Last Stoplight on I-90. Tell me about a PLACE, not about how to spend money at generic locations.

Worthless.

Huge disappointment with western canada and California., August 3, 2007
I got this book hoping for new inspirations on places to take my family. While some of the eastern and midwestern states were quite a bit more comprehensive with interesting locations, the two places which I was interested in California and Western Canada were a big disappointment. Most of the California locations were vaguely defined and would have been known to anyone who had never been there. The western Canada sites were fabulously expensive and only accessible to the privileged few who can spend between 300 and 1000 a night on exotic hotels and expensive restaurants. This tendency to list only the generic and the ridiculously expensive in some locations makes this book useless to me.

Got a fat wallet and a bad case of wanderlust? This book is for you, October 27, 2007
This is not the type of book you actually READ, but rather something you glance through lazily when dreaming up future travel plans, or when wondering what to do in your own state when you have an open weekend and nothing to do with it. The back-of-the-book index is very helpful in this case. Comprehensive in its scope, it's a good starting point for someone with a fat wallet and a serious case of wanderlust. Like all travel books--(except Abrams' ART OF THE STATE books, which are fabulous!)--this book is a skeletal guide requiring the traveler to flesh it out by his or her personal experience. Use it as a starting point, verify the information on the web, and go to the places yourself to color in the lines with your unique perspective.

Other reviewers complained that some of the recommendations were expensive. (It could be because the writer is from New York City, so she may be accustomed high costs.) What I do with expensive suggestions is go to the restaurant recommended and ask passersby where I can find something similar for less. It's a great way to meet local people who are usually glad to tell you about the better value around the corner.


Like most travel guides, it can't bear the weight of being the be-all end-all, but it's a good place to start. The reason I gave it only 3 stars is because the writing is a bit stifling (or maybe the small type makes it seem stifling) and the page layouts are dull. Otherwise a nice reference tool.

Some Good Selections But Still Too Concentrated On Luxury Travel, July 9, 2008
I was pretty harsh on Schultz's previous international edition of this book. So I am going to be a little nicer here and admit that the book is fun to read through and does let readers know about some great places to visit that they might otherwise have never heard of.

But the fact remains that Patricia Schultz is who she is, a snobby writer for Conde Nast Traveler magazine who has an intense obsession with fancy hotels, restaurants, spas and resorts that are out of the price range of most travellers. I also agree with the previous reviewer that the more you enclose yourself within the gated confines of luxury the less of an authentic travel experience you are likely to have.

I was especially upset by Schultz's international edition because it reinforced the notion, that too many Americans already have, that global travel is only possible for wealthy jetsetters. Instead the truth is that travel on a budget is available to everyone. And, in fact, many backpackers manage to spend a year or more travelling around places like Latin American and Southeast Asia for less then the costs of paying rent and bills at home. Of course, the declining U.S. dollar is making this harder to do now, but that's a whole other story.

I see Schultz's fascination with the lifestyles of the wealthy and fabulous to be slighty less problematic in this book because Americans and Canadians are generally more aware of domestic buget travel options as compared to travelling abroad. Still I think if Schultz focused a little less attention on the Hamptons and Palm Beach, on $700 hotels and $300 restaurants, then she might have been able to write a book that is more useful to the ordinary traveller.

Just got the book but love it, June 26, 2007
We just got this book yesterday, but already I am planning our road trips for the next few months with this book's assistance. Excellent descriptions of places and events.

For example, we went to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta last year (2006) and the book's description of the Fiesta and surrounding area in New Mexico was outstanding and accurate.

In my opinion, if the author does this good of a job conveying information about something we are familiar with, then I will trust her about the other places she describes in her book.

The book is organized well with a nice index and use of pictures and maps. Text-heavy (which I like) and easy to read. We are excited about using it to add to our vacation trip experiences. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Lots of info in a compact, readable package, June 19, 2008
(Not sure why the first reviewer gushed about the book but only gave it two stars.)

Author Chris Strodder has written a very comprehensive but easily readable history of just about everything that's ever existed in the Original Magic Kingdom. This is the kind of book I like--one where I can just pick it up and start reading anywhere. The book looks at every attraction, store and restaurant that's been in the Park since 1955, and he does a good job of covering them in informative, concise entries. The entries are alphabetical, and there's a huge index at the back. Black and white maps and photos are interspersed throughout the text.

As an encyclopedia, the book does not try to cover each entry in extraordinary detail, but all the basic information--such as dates of operation/closure, brief histories and descriptions and locations are all there. There are also a few entries on some of the personalities and Imagineers who created the Park. It's a great introduction to the history of the Park for newer fans, and experienced Disneyland hands may find morsels they may never have known about.

Overall, I don't think you're going to find this much information, squeezed into such a compact package (you could easily bring it to the Park for reading in line), for the price. It is a great addition to my Disney library.

--Steve DeGaetano, Author, "Welcome Aboard the Disneyland Railroad" and "From Plantation to Theme Park--The Story of Disneyland Railroad Locomotive No. 5, The Ward Kimball."

From Plantation to Theme Park: The Story of Disneyland Railroad Locomotive No. 5, the Ward KimballWelcome Aboard the Disneyland Railroad!

Comprehensive & obviously thoroughly researched!, June 24, 2008
This is an impressive book. It contains a lot of entries that I have never seen documented anywhere else, particularly in regards to obscure shops and shows/parades. A fun feature are the many lists that are sprinkled within the text. This book is obviously a labor of love for the author and will be enjoyed by any fan of the Happiest Place on Earth

It's about time!, June 30, 2008
A fantastic book detailing Disneyland over the years. It's hard to believe that it took this long for someone to compile a history of all the attractions, shops, and shows since the park opened. This book is highly recommended for the many Disneyland fanatics out there.

--M Worley, creator of WaltsMagicKingdom.com

Very Thorough, September 5, 2008
I am a lifelong Disneyland freak. On my first visit, 10 months after it first opened, I saw Walt from a keelboat on the Frontierland river. I grew up living close enough to see the fireworks, and used to ride my bike there and home again back before you needed to take out a home loan to get in.

This book passed my major test, within 5 pages, it told me something I did not already know. I soon found that, instead of just looking stuff up and consulting it, I was reading it cover-to-cover. An excellent, informative, exhaustive catalogue of all things and people Disneylandish.

Like Being In Disneyland Every Time You Turn The Page, August 6, 2008
From A to Z, this book accomplishes what I have been searching for for years! A guide/history/trivia book describing every land, attraction, shop, show, and restaurant in Disneyland. Not just the current ones mind you, but EVERY SINGLE ONE that the author could find to have existed in the parks 50+ year history. As a Disneyland fan since I was a kid it was a fond look back at some of the attractions I grew up with, and a good history lesson on all the rides that came before I first visited "The Happiest Place On Earth". Each item is listed alphabetically, with the biggest attractions and lands getting the most coverage. While most of the trivia and information has been written elsewhere before, it is nice to find it all in one place wrapped up with a bow! Some exciting extras include bonus lists and pictures, such as a list of every attraction to have a poster in the entrance tunnel. Its the extra touches like this that make me love this one more than other Disneyland guides I have read. While it CAN become tedious at times reading about every fruit cart, special event and other small details, it just goes to show how thorough and well done this "Encyclopedia" truly is! I doubt there is another park book out there for DL fans as satisfying a read as "The Disneyland Encyclopedia". I don't think it is possible to top this one!

Great information, July 17, 2009
This is not a good read if your looking for a story. This is an encyclopedia. I love the format of this book there are two way to look up information. First is by name if you know what the name is second is by location you can look at the front of the book and look at park maps and it will tell you what has ever been there and the names so you can look it up in to the book so its good to take to the park or read at your house. I love to see the changes that the park has had and love to read about them. BUY THIS BOOK. Happy 54th Disneyland.

Enjoyable and Informative, October 9, 2008
I ordered this book in a fit of enthusiasm after my first return visit to Disneyland as an adult (the enthusiasm persists, incidentally.) I was looking for something to fill me in on the history of the Magic Kingdom and satisfy grown-up curiosity about things I didn't think all that much about when I was a kid. This book was exactly what I was looking for: there's a wonderful lot of information, delivered in a manner which is to-the-point but not at all dry. I enjoyed both looking up individual entries, and then reading through the book straight through. Best of all, while the book has a lot for the grown-up visitor to Disneyland, it almost never interferes with the magic of the place. The book will tell you all about Disneyland, without spoiling it all and telling you how it works.

Must read for Disneyland lovers, July 7, 2008
Great book for any Disneyland lover. I have been going to Disneyland for over 40 years, as a kid, and sharing the experience with my Son and Daughter. This book gives you insights I have never known. Mr. Strodder has done an amazing job researching the park. After reading this book, I feel that the history and the magic of Disneyland is greatly enhanced. Anyone who has been going to the park for their whole life, or is going to the park for the first time, will find that this book broadens the experience by giving you a full picture of the history and work that went into creating the magic of the Magic Kingdom.

A must have for every disneyland fan!, April 7, 2009
Very interesting, tells you absolutely everything about every attraction, restaurant, shop, parade, show and event that has ever existed on the original Magic Kingdom in short articles very enjoyable to read. I only wished that there were more and better photographs in it, but still a great book!

Memories from the past, July 29, 2008
I am having a great time reminiscing about all the old rides & shops in the Disneyland Encyclopedia. There are shops & rides I recall visiting when I was little in the 60's. This is very informative & full of nostalga. Highly recomended for the Disneyland enthusiast. I love it! ... Read more

Editorial Review

We are living in a land that is everywhere rich with beauty and wonders. LIFE is fortunate that these stunning settings have attracted many of the country's--indeed, the world's--most talented scenic photographers. From the awe-inspiring work of Ansel Adams to the jaw-dropping photography of Galen Rowell to the serene pastorals of Joel Meyerowitz and Michael Melford, this is art of a high order. And their subjects are incomparable: The Grand Canyon, Big Sur. Yosemite, Yellowstone, sublime Nantucket island, the San Francisco skyline, the Amish country of Pennsylvania and Ohio--100 beautiful sites in all. In words and pictures, LIFE takes you there.

As a special bonus, America the Beautiful includes a print of one of Ansel Adams' finest scenics, suitable for framing. This is a rich and beautiful book about a beautiful land. Our land. America. ... Read more

Reviews

Beautiful sights, June 27, 2009
This book has recently reprinted in a newsstand special-edition softcover under the title, "America the Beautiful: 100 Places to See in Your Lifetime." Most of the places shown (65 out of 100) are Nature's own; the rest are man-made wonders that range from Washingtin, D.C., New Orleans' French Quarter, and San Francisco to West Point, Newport (RI), Fallingwater, and Bellingrath Gardens. Each spot gets a full or half page or a double-spread with a full-color photograph and a brief write-up explaining its significance. Even if you only buy the book for the photos, though, you'll have plenty of droolable moments (the front cover alone is almost worth the price). This volume will give anyone a better idea of what's gorgeous, and most worth seeing, about our country.

nice coffee table book, February 3, 2010
Very good pictures from LIFE. Nice gift for someone. Shipping was on time as well.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL - AMEN, December 11, 2007
This book was purchased for a friend who is in the early to mid stages of Alzheimers. He and his wife sit and look at the pictures and remember when they say the places photographed. It is an exercise for his brain and a delight for her to be able to share it with him.

Beautiful coffee table book, September 23, 2008
Love the book. I purchased two of them to give as gifts this Christmas.

Beautiful Pictures, January 3, 2008
This was a gift given to an uncle who loves to travel, and it was oohed and ahhed over by everyone.

Damaged Goods, March 22, 2009
The book arrived in damaged condition. The corners were crushed and the book jacket was scratched and worn. The back hard cover had a 1-1/2 inch dent on its front edge.

This book was ordered online because our local bookseller only one copy and it was not in the best condition. (It was better than the one we received.) We bought this book as a gift for a newly naturalized citizen.

We were embarrased to give it to him. But we did so because there was not time to get another one. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A Great Guide to 66, September 12, 2004
We traveled the Route in 2004. I saw this book a couple times, but didn't buy it until New Mexico (I thought we had plenty of Route 66 guides)...kicked myself for not getting it earlier all the way to LA. Definitely buy this before you go and use it for helping to set up your itinerary. It has all of the essential stops, and you can tell it's written from the heart.

The best Route 66 guide book available, May 2, 2007
I used the first edition of this book last year on my Route 66 trip (this edition came out only a week after I had left!). I liked it so much that I bought the new edition and gave the old one to a friend.

Route 66 Adventure Handbook is both comprehensive and easy to use. I had no trouble following along while on the road - not once did I get lost. Drew really knows his stuff and very clearly points out the attractions that you don't want to miss. Also, I highly recommend reading this cover to cover before you even get in the car. It really helped me decide ahead of time what I wanted to see in the time I had. I'll most definitely use it again on my next trip!

Simply the Best, March 30, 2004
As a veteran traveler of backroads America, I own dozens of books and videos on Route 66, but if I could keep only one, this would have to be it. No other guide comes anywhere close to the wealth of fascinating information available here. Just open the Adventure Handbook to ANY PAGE and you'll want to jump into your car and go exploring RIGHT NOW!

With this guide you won't miss ANYthing -- history, people, museums, roadside attractions, holes in the ground, you-name-it. In fact, if you'll excuse me -- I think I need to go Route 66-ing right now -- see you on the Road!

Drew ROCKS!, December 11, 2003
This book is absolutely the best resource for anyone looking to explore the Mother Road! I found it at the Midway Cafe in Texas (the halfway point) and it was EXACTLY what I was looking for. Filled with interesting artifacts, side trips, factoids and fun stops, this guide to Route 66 is just what any first-timer or veteran traveler of America's lost Americana needs. I just wish that I had found it before setting out to California. But, there's always the next time. Drew helped me to find some very interesting sights along the way and the trip was absolutely the coolest nine days I have ever spent in a car or by myself!
Thanks, Drew!!!

A Super Adventure, April 3, 2002
Drew's book was gifted to me. I followed the map as I read through and couldn't put the book down. It was loaded with interesting information: history, sights, adventurous side trips, museums, famous and forgotten quaint towns and sites.
The book is, indeed, like a co-pilot in your pocket. It guides the traveller off the beaten track to explore nature, beautiful sights, and mysteries of the past. The colorful photos add interest and lure one to plan ahead, to include Route 66 in ones travels. It sounds like a place for family vacations--not just once, but many times to drink in all the sights.
I commend Drew on an excellent book.

A must-have for any Route 66 traveller!, October 4, 2006
This book is fantastic. It's like having Drew sitting next to you on the ride, pointing out sites of interest, giving you bits of history about each and every town you pass along the entire length of Route 66.

If you have a "navigator" with you, have them read each entry as you hit the towns listed... it will make the trip that much more interesting. Better yet, get the 1946 Jack Rittenhouse book (A Guide Book to Highway 66), and read the "then and now" listings to really get a feel for what you're seeing, and what you would have seen then. (Sometimes, the two are the same!)

Team this book with "Route 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers", and you've got an unbeatable combination for any Route 66 trip, one state or the entire thing.

If you want to have a great Route 66 trip, you only need three books:

Jerry McClanahan - Route 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers
Drew Knowles - Route 66 Adventure Handbook
Jack Rittenhouse - A Guide Book to Highway 66 (1946)

For those doing Oklahoma, the complete-to-the-last-inch "Oklahoma Route 66" by Jim Ross is also highly recommended. It details stuff that other books just couldn't. It's SO complete, that the OK Highway Dept website uses part of it for their Route 66 section. (All these books are available on Amazon.com)

There you have it. Arm yourself, and get out there and do Route 66! It will be an experience you'll never forget.

A great book!, September 24, 2003
It was packed with useful information from accomodation to site seeing trips and insiteful information on Route 66 itself.

I would recommend this book to anyone planning on taking this trip of a lifetime!

A book to dream by, July 25, 2006
Even if I can't do the drive right now, this book is an inspiration towards that SOMEDAY when I get in the car and go.

Route 66 Trip, March 15, 2002
My husband and I have always dreamed of a trip on rt.66 I have Drew Knowles rt. 66 book. When the day comes we can finially go this book will be this book will be a very helpful guide. Can't wait!!

Excellent guide!, December 2, 2006
We recently traveled several hundred miles along Route 66 and it was great to have this book as a reference. It lists every little place that ever once existed. We read each entry as we drove east to west through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. It was easy to follow and fun to spot the things we most likely would have missed without having Drew's information with us - sections of the road that still exist, old signs and buildings as well as those places still thriving and rebuilding. Thanks for a wonderful guide! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

This guide is so good I threw out my other two!, August 15, 2007
I recently bought this guide along with two other guides for my trip to the Grand Canyon. This one was so good that I literally threw out my other two guides three days into my trip. (Actually I gave them away to other vacationers to reuse and recycle but terminology aside, I still ended up getting rid of them to lessen the load in my backpack because they were nowhere near as thorough as The Complete Guide). Other books can't compare to the glossy color photographs, maps, trail recommendations, park background, flora and fauna highlights to look for and most importantly the insider's tips provided in this guide. It actually felt like the other two guides that I bought for my trip (and to be nice I won't name names but they were from big travel book publishers) were written by people sitting behind a computer in an office who hadn't been to the Grand Canyon in years, while this guide reads like the author is sitting on a rock perched over the Colorado River sharing his insight to friends. I loved this guide and can't recommend it enough. Besides a good backpack, hiking shoes and some food, it's all that you need for a great trip to the Grand Canyon. Buy this one book, skip everything else that's out there, and you'll be all set.

Definitely the most up-to-date Grand Canyon book, August 15, 2007
Great guide! I got this book after my husband and I used James Kaiser's Joshua Tree book for our anniversary vacation there and had an amazing trip. We had been to the Grand Canyon once years ago and paid $72 for a guided "geography hike." This time we just used this guidebook and got twice as much information. We did three of the lesser-known trails recommended in the book and found some incredible views away from the crowds. We ended up planning most of our week there based on the author's suggestions, and it was a perfect trip. If you're going to the park for any length of time, I recommend this book 100%!

"Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide" truly lives up to its title, May 5, 2008
The Grand Canyon is universally acclaimed as one of the great natural wonders of the world. Now in a fully updated and beautifully illustrated third edition, James Kaiser's "Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide" is the ideal guide for novice visitors and a superbly informative reference for the seasoned visitor as well. A complete and 'user friendly' travel guide and planner for visiting the Grand Canyon, this ideal reference includes the Havasu Falls, topography maps, trail descriptions for both day trips and overnight hikes, mule rides, scenic flights, Colorado river trips, public campgrounds, historic lodges, the canyon's geology, native wildlife, history, and a great deal more. Compact and easily portable, "Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide" truly lives up to its title and is an invaluable addition to personal and community library travel guide collections -- as well as the supplemental reading lists of the armchair explorer!

The Perfect Guide, May 1, 2008
Out of all the Grand Canyon guides I bought, this one was my favorite.
The color photos are amazing, and the background info about the
canyon's history, geology and wildlife is fascinating. If you're going
to Grand Canyon I would definitely recommend buying this book.

Excellent Guide, January 30, 2008
One of the best Grand Canyon guide books I've seen. Useful for the first-time visitor as well as the experienced hiker.

Best Grand Canyon Guide, August 22, 2007
James Kaiser's guide is by far the best I have ever used on a trip to the Grand Canyon. From the amazing photos to the comprehensive maps and interesting anecdotes, the book truly made my trip an unforgettable one. Do not visit the Grand Canyon without this guide.

A Great Find, August 20, 2007
The best travel companion money can buy. My wife and I had 10 days in the GC and this book covers all the attractions from every angle. We used this book to create unique day-trips every morning. Some days we would go out spotting plant and animal life, others we would make treks that retraced history, but most often, this books knows where and when to see the wide vistas and hidden nooks that make the Grand Canyon such a sublime place to visit. But for all the information it packs, I love this book for how easy it is to thumb through, and how fun it actually is to read. I'm an avid traveler and have been using the standard guides for years, which are certainly adequate enough, but finding this book has made me seek out other independent guides for my future trips. A great find.

This is the book to buy!, August 15, 2007
It was my third trip to the Grand Canyon and I thought I had seen it all, but my buddy, Larry Motts, told me to pickup this book and see the real Grand Canyon. The amazing photos alone made me want to jump right in and rediscover the majesty that is the Grand Canyon. And it's not only the obvious attractions but the small things that this book wont let you miss; the hidden trails, the charming anecdotes of history, and the all round essence of romance. You know the author, James Kaiser, adores this place because his book embodies all that there is to love about the Grand Canyon. Buy this book and buy it now!

really helped me on my trip, August 15, 2007
I had been to the Grand Canyon once years ago. I went again recently, and this time I picked up this guide book before going. It was a huge difference for the trip as I was able to go to areas that I hadn't even heard about the first time I went. The pictures are great, but it was both the maps and the descriptions of the trails and sights that were the most helpful for my fiancee and I. It definitely added a lot to our vacation.

Grand Canyon foremost inforemost information source., May 6, 2010
"Grand Canyon: The complete Guide" is the foremost source of information for anyone planning to hike, or just tour, the Grand Canyon! The photos and naratives are excellent! We used this book to prepare for our hike down to, and up from, Phantom Ranch. It was thoroughly accurate on trail descriptions allowing for a totally enjoyable hike with no surprises. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Focusing on the light rather than the serious side of outdoor mishaps and ranger life, this is a book which everyone from seasoned outdoorsmen to armchair travelers will find both entertaining and enlightening. In his thirty years with the National Park Service, Jim Burnett saw it all: boat ramp mishaps that launched cars instead of boats; skunks in the outhouse and other wildlife encounters; visitors looking for the bridge over the Grand Canyon; dumb crooks; and much more.

For those who envy the lives of rangers who live and work in national parks, the book also provides some revealing—and humorous—insights into what that job can really entail, including accounts of an amazing variety of situations that prompt people to knock on a ranger’s door in the middle of the night.

The book concludes with some practical "ranger wisdom," illustrated with real-life examples, to help keep readers from becoming a "victim of their vacation" on their next outdoor excursion.
... Read more

Reviews

Ah....The Memories!, August 15, 2005
Like a great song from years ago, Jim Burnett's stories hit you (and your funny bone) with nostalgia that takes you back to another time and place. My father was a Park Ranger for many years and the stories he told around the supper table keep in time with these (though I never remember laughing as hard as I did when I read about beavers gnawing on boat props!). Thanks for spinning some funny yarns about the outdoor-impaired! Now, if we could only get a reality show called..."So, you want to be a Park Ranger..."

Laugh and Learn, August 15, 2005
We saw this book while on vacation in Shenandoah National Park and decided to take a copy home. It was so much fun that we took turns reading it out loud in the car during the drive back. Our family has been campers and hikers for years, so we didn't have trouble believing some of the dumb things people do in parks, especially when it comes to wild animals. The author includes some really good tips for anybody planning a trip to the outdoors, but most of the learning is well disguised in the humor. This is a fun book for just about anybody.

Only mildly amusing, November 20, 2007
In this book, Jim Burnett collects amusing stories about visitors in the national parks. These people are normally called "tourons," though Burnett doesn't use the term here. Some of the stories come from his career as a park ranger, while other stories come from other rangers who told them to Burnett. He also includes some background on each park where he was stationed during his career (Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Buffalo National River, Glacier National Park, Colonial National Historical Park, and Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial). An appendix provides advice on how not to get hurt being stupid in the national parks.

The book suffers in comparison with other memoir-writers, especially my current favorite, game warden Terry Grosz. Most of Burnett's stories are only mildly amusing, though there are a few good ones. More problematic is the way he tells them - - he gets to the punchline much too fast, so that these stories only last a couple of pages. The second-hand stories are even shorter, more like one-liner jokes. Grosz, in contrast, can spin a tale out much more effectively.

All in all, the book is pleasant enough, and I purchased it at very deep discount, so it's not really disappointing. But there are better options out there.

Fun and Enjoyable Read, October 13, 2007
I just finished reading Hey Ranger and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was an easy read and it held my attention - I didn't want to put the book down! Anyone who has visited the National Parks, or just spent time in the outdoors, can probably relate to at least one tale in the book. For me personally, my family has done alot of boating and I was laughing hysterically during the chapter on boating, including mishaps that occur when launching a boat! I think anyone who enjoys the great outdoors and humorous real life tales will enjoy this book.

Milk Toast, July 9, 2007
Hey Ranger ! Is lightly entertaining & minimally informative. It is well written but the acronyms the writer makes up are corny & get old quick. It's just not that interesting !I read these type books on a regular basis & must say that it is below average & definately not on my Re Read list. I keep most of my books but this one will be gone when I'm finished. Try Jim Reardens "Alaskas Wolf Man", Pete From's book "Indian Creek Cronicles",Larry Kanuit's books or Dick Proenneke's story.

Funny and original, August 10, 2005
I bought this book after reading a great review for it in the Houston Chronicle. I spent over 20 years as a ranger and wanted to see this writer's take on our job. It was a nice change from the usual outdoor adventure books because it combined lots of humor with situations that happen to everyday people, and looks at the lighter side of the job. I enjoyed the author's relaxed, homespun style and thought he took an original look at a topic others have covered as well.

A fun book for almost anybody, March 16, 2005
I enjoy travel and visiting parks, and even though I don't consider myself to be an `outdoorsman," I really liked this book. The author is a great, conversational story-teller and has a wonderful sense of humor. If you like Garrison Keillor you'll enjoy this style of writing. He has come up with some really funny acronyms to describe why things often turn out differently that we expect, such as the "oops" factor (outcome outside of planned scenario). My son always thought he wanted to be a park ranger and I'm giving him a copy of the book. Like the previous reviewer I was surprised at some of the things I learned about their jobs. This is a fun read and the short chapters made it easy to enjoy even with my busy schedule.

The truth hurts, January 29, 2007
Sometimes the truth makes you laugh that much, sometimes it makes you ache so much from the lessons you learn the hard way. And Jim Burnett tells both parts of the truth.

A wonderfully entertaining book about the accidental adventures that park visitors have gotten into, mostly by impatience or not using common sense. Sometimes it's true stupidity that causes the problem and sometimes the results are tragic. But Mr. Burnett uses those as lessons to learn from and concentrates on the more entertaining stories, though he doesn't hesitate to use them as lessons too! I was impressed by the lack of thought of some people as well as by the ingenuity of park rangers in working out solutions to truly unique problems. Told in a well written way with a wry sense of humor; yet never belittling to those victims of their own shortsightedness. If you've been to a national park, it shows you what you missed, or maybe how you made your fifteen minutes of fame. If you haven't been to one, read for hints on what to be aware of...

Hilarious, but educational, July 1, 2007
I don't usually buy humorous books, but this one was given to me as a Christmas present by my wife. When I finally got around to reading it, I almost died laughing and found this book most enjoyable.

Part of the success of of this book is due to the author's "down home" style of storytelling. These stories are not meant to make fun of people, but to show how easily an unprepared park visitor can quickly get into deep trouble.

Hey Ranger! will not only give you a good laugh, but make you a better camper and park visitor in the future. You will also gain some insight into how park rangers and their families live.

Buy the book, enjoy it, then pass it on to a friend. I highly recommend it!

Great book for everyone!, May 25, 2005
This book is a good read for anyone who enjoys reading about how incredibly dense other people can be! I love the acronyms he uses, and I especially like the chapter titled "Back It Up Right Here!" and "Thousands of Chickens!" Jim Burnett has a great sense of humor and I'm sure he has more stories to tell! I really hope he writes another book - I'll be sure to get it! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Chosen by The New York Times as one of the ten best books ever written about the city.

In the summer of 1949, E.B. White sat in a New York City hotel room and, sweltering in the summer heat, wrote a remarkable, pristine essay, Here Is New York.Perceptive, funny, and nostalgic, the author’s stroll around Manhattan -- with the reader arm-in-arm -- remains the quintessential love letter to the city, written by one of America’s foremost literary figures.Like most of White’s prose (his essays, his "Talk of the Town" columns, The Elements of Style), this book is of modest length.Yet, like Charlotte’s Web, it speaks more eloquently about what lasts and what really matters than other, more expansive pieces. The New York Times has chosen Here Is New York as one of the ten best books ever written about the grand metropolis. The New Yorker calls it "the wittiest essay, and one of the most perceptive, ever done on the city."This edition of Here Is New York marks the 100th anniversary of E.B. White’s birth, and appears with a new introduction by Roger Angell. ... Read more

Reviews

A timeless description of an undescribable city., May 2, 1997
This book, written almost fifty years ago, captures the qualities that make New York the greatest city in the world. It is a brief character sketch of the whole city. The fact that almost every word is still applicable today illustrates the eternal uniqueness and unchangability of the Big Apple. This book should be read by anyone who lives in, commutes to, or plans to visit New York

A gem, November 10, 2003
Like the Elements of Style, the timeless writing manifesto that White revised and rewrote for generation after generation of scribes, Here is New York has lasting appeal.

White captures a very large city in a very small book. Yet the end this slender volume is as satisfying as a weighty tome because White seems to get the philosophy of New York right.

And I must agree, the final pages seem to eerily fortell September 11, 2001.

If you already love New York, or if you want to know why so many do, pick this baby up and guarantee yourself a good night's reading.

I Love New York -- Great Gift for New Yorkers Over 70!, October 15, 2000
No one could say, "I Love New York," better than E.B. White did in this slim volume of stylish, moving caresses for her lovely, loving face. To each of us, though, New York shows a different face. E.B. White has captured the universal elements of that face in his perceptive observations about what you have noticed and felt about New York, but never shared with anyone.

I have many relatives and friends in New York City who are over 70 and have told me many wonderful stories about the late 40s there. Imagine my delight when I discovered that E.B. White had written this magnificent 7,500 word essay about his experiences in the city during the summer of 1948! I have the perfect gift now to help these warm-hearted people happily relive their more youthful days. And those who love New York, regardless of their age, will love this book, as well. So I will need to buy and give many copies of this book.

The book begins with a new introduction by Roger Angell, who is E.B. White's stepson. Mr. Angell was an editor at Holiday who helped arrange for this assignment for Mr. White. Mr. White had gone to live permanently in Maine by this time, so coming to New York was a travel assignment. You may recall that Mr. White had done a stint at The New Yorker during World War II that had brought him to Manhattan, so it was also a homecoming. Mr. Angell points out that many of the scenes described in the essay are now gone, something that Mr. White also pointed out in his introduction to the essay in 1949. In addition, many of Mr. White's complaints would be even more vociferous if uttered today. But one aspect of the work is unchanging, "Like most of us, he wanted it [New York City of an earlier time] back again, back the way it was." So this essay is very much about time-specific memory, and how that evokes moods and thoughts we value most. Change that dilutes those values is to be resisted. As Mr. White said, "New York has changed in tempo and temper during the years I have known it. There is greater tension, increased irritability."

The essay teems with stylish, dynamic prose that reminded me of the vibrancy of the exploding krill population during the summer months in whale feeding grounds. New York was experiencing a heat wave, and there was no air conditioning. Perhaps that's what accounts for the often heavy mood of pessimism, relieved by only a little peek at optimism here and there.

"It is a miracle that New York works at all. The whole thing is implausible."

"Mass hysteria is a terrible force, yet New Yorkers seem always to escape it by some tiny margin . . . ."

"But the city makes up for its hazards and deficiencies by supplying its citizens with massive doses of a supplementary vitamin -- the sense of belonging to something unique, cosmopolitan, mighty and unparalleled."

The great strength of the essay is in its many wonderful, astute observations about New York. First, Mr. White points out that there are three types of New Yorkers: Those who actually were born and live there, those who commute daily, and those who come to realize some ambition. Each adds something important to the pot.

"The city is literally a composite of tens of thousands of tiny neighborhood units." "Each neighborhood is virtually self-sufficient." So in many ways, New York is also about small-town America at this time.

While the city pulses with incredible energy and activity, the New Yorker or visitor has "the gift of privacy, the jewel of loneliness." Small town America never had these qualities. In other words, you can be disconnected from the great events in the city (except for the St. Patrick's Day parade, which is ubiquitous in its noise, as Mr. White points out) if you want to be, and you can retreat from human connection into solitude amongst the masses.

He describes the ethnic groups of the city, from Jews (the largest group) to blacks (a rapidly growing one in Harlem), and comments on the diverse rituals of very different lives. The section on the Bowery and the New Yorker's reactions to the people there was particularly powerful.

He is pessimistic about the new weapons of mass destruction (the atomic bomb at this time), but cheered by the building of the United Nations. "But it [New York] is by way of becoming capital of the world" despite being capital of nothing.

The end of the essay is a meditation on an old willow tree that has been nurtured in a courtyard, a humanizing reminder of nature and of caring . . . and the past. "This must be saved, this particular thing, this very tree." "If it were to go, all would go -- this city, this mischevious and marvelous monument which not to look upon would be like death."

After you have finished meditating on this paean to humanity's strivings, consider your own home town. What does it tell you that is equally uplifting? Write down those thoughts, and share them with your family. You will have made an irresistible connection into the future through the present and the past.

New York City in 1949, by the author of Charlotte's Web, September 25, 2001
If you have not discovered this gem in the past, you absolutely must read it now. E.B. White was extremely prophetic in light of the recent tragedy in New York City. You will be amazed at his descriptions of the city and of its diverse citizens. Everything he says is relevant today. You will also be amazed at his concerns for the safety of the city. He even mentions danger from airplanes! He knew and loved New York City and he is such a gentle and moving writer. This 54 page essay will touch a chord with any reader looking for some uplifting words about the place we are all thinking about now.

A glimpse of old New York, inspiring for today's readers, September 24, 2001
I've loved E.B.White's writing ever since a grade school teacher read Charlotte's Web aloud to the class, chapter by chapter. His writing is unique, clear and memorable, whether he is writing about what he sees out his window or about life in New York walking down a busy sidewalk, masses of people all around him. While life in New York has changed significantly since E.B. White first wrote the words contained in this book, readers will find his writing also timeless in spirit and inspirational in invoking a renewed appreciation for New York and the little details that make it special. White once said of his writing: 'Writing to me is not an exercise in addressing readers, it is more as though I were talking to myself while shaving'. If only we could all be as articulate, memorable and even humorous while talking to ourselves and others! A very special book, worth reading and re-reading.

A NOSTALGIC LOOK AT THE "BIG APPLE", October 30, 2001
Anyone who has ever read the children's book, "Charlotte's Web" will know what a fine and accomplished writing style E. B. White possesses. This book is another fine example of the author's capabilities.

There is something about New York that has fascinated and captivated people since time began. It is a city rich with history, culture, style, charisma, and, yes, tragedy. However, through the years the city has had many stories to tell, and to visitors, it has long been considered the city of excitement and action, with a zillion things to visit and do.

The year is 1948 and E. B. White takes the reader on a trip down memory lane, to the city of his youth, a city of splendor and wonder. There have been some very evident changes over the years; however, some aspects will always remain, "typically New York." Perhaps residents of the city and surrounding area take much of what the author portrays for granted; however, for one who is not an American, the city still holds a uniqueness unmatched by few cities in North America.

The only downside of the book is it's length; it is extremely short, but I still highly recommend the book. As White indicates, "the city is like poetry". The magic, music and wonder of the city still draw people to its core like a magnet.

Swells With Universal Meaning, December 28, 1999
White's beautifully undulating prose illumes the movement, ambiance, paradox and gravity of a city that is, ironically and miraculously, both floodgate and a floodplain of the world.

A Love Letter to New York City, April 23, 2006
HERE IS NEW YORK is a truly spectacular 1948 essay that originally appeared in Holiday magazine. Written by E.B. White and named one of the ten best books ever written about New York, this is a quick read that will leave you years later savoring White's timeless observations.

Writing in a hotel room during a sweltering heat wave, White takes the reader through the essence of New York City and its eight million inhabitants who he notes roughly fall into three groups: the natives, the commuters and the transplants.

Warning that "no one should come to New York unless he is willing to be lucky," White lovingly explains how the city is more a collection of thousands of small neighborhoods that implausibly operate independently of each other, completely oblivious to what is occurring only a few blocks away.

Though it was written almost 60 years ago, HERE IS NEW YORK is just as accurate today as the moment it was written. Yes, the city has changed but the basic structure of life in New York remains the same.

Overall HERE IS NEW YORK is a very positive book that will leave everyone feeling welcome and needed in America's biggest city. But eerily the book presciently warns that "a single flight of planes no bigger than a wedge of geese can quickly end this island fantasy, burn the towers, crumble the bridges, turn the underground passages into lethal passages, cremate the millions."

Though it was tough to read that passage right after 9/11 as I did, I still whole heartedly recommend HERE IS NEW YORK to anyone who lives in New York, commutes to and from there, or has just moved there and is now, as White observed, generating "enough heat and light to dwarf the Consolidated Edison Company."

- Regina McMenamin

Style, Truth, Prescience, December 10, 2005
Early to a party, I was looking at a friend's bookcase and pulled this slim volume from a shelf. After reading the first sentence, I knew I had to have it.

Originally published in 1949, E.B. White, who no longer lived in New York City, captured the soul and spirit of the place. Nothing has changed. At the time, the United Nations building was under construction, and the bombing of London was fresh in his mind. He ends the book with a vision that perfectly balances hope with danger, in words prescient of September 11 - I re-read those paragraphs on every anniversary, it has become my ritual.

But what originally drew me to the book is not only the truth and insight of White, but his style, his felicity of expression. The author of "The Elements of Style" certainly knew the rules, and knew when to break them, as well. The second paragraph ends with a run-on sentence 198 words long, a thrilling joy ride which itself demonstrates how impossible it is to capture, in prose, the enormity and importance of this city.

I agree with Russell Baker, this is "the finest portrait ever painted of the city."

Past is Prologue, September 22, 2001
This book, really an expanded essay, should be required reading for the nation... White's words put a poignantly human face on the city's people. His observations about the three types of New Yorkers - natives, commuters, and relocated dreamseekers (ie. immigrants) ring as true today as they did 53 years ago. With the passing of two generations, only his population figures have changed in magnitude, and the ethnicities he cites have further diversified. Nevertheless, White succinctly captures the city's thrills and excitement, grandeur and cultural vibrancy, as well as its intimacy and small town neighborliness, then as now. To quote the author, "no one should come to New York to live unless he is willing to be lucky".... ... Read more

Editorial Review

Spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks captures the breathtaking landscape and wildlife of one of America's most renowned regions. More than 275 photographs--from some of the country's best nature photographers--recreate the adventure and grandeur of this area that combines the world's greatest collection of geothermal features, some of the West's most spectacular mountains and its best wildlife viewing areas. This unique large-format book offers guided tours--in words and pictures--of Yellowstone and Grand Teton, with thirty-six pages of foldouts, each more than three feet wide, designed to illustrate the wide-open expanse of these national park gems.Yellowstone was set aside as America's first national park in 1872. Since then, interest in the park has grown dramatically and today, more than 3 million people visit the two parks annually. Grand Teton National Park, home of the majestic mountain range, was preserved as a national park in 1929.This book offers stunning photographs of every corner of the 2.2 million acres that make up these parks, including such treasures as Lake Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, and the world's most famous geyser, Old Faithful, as well as rainbow-colored geyser basins of the north Mammoth country, and herds of buffalo and elk on the wide plains of the Lamar Valley. Sit back and behold the beauty of the Grand Tetons at sunset, the breathtaking vistas over the Snake River, or the refreshing waterfalls off the Bechler River trail. Whether it's boating on Jackson Lake or a hike around Grand Prismatic Spring that you desire, Spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks takes you deep into the parks' many gorgeous landscapes in every season of the year. ... Read more

Reviews

Experiencing Yellostone and Grand teton National Parks, January 19, 2009
If I could have only one book about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, I would choose "Spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks." A striking, masterpiece of a book, its large format accommodates many panoramic photographs of outstanding compositional beauty and technical quality. The special features of five locations within Yellowstone, routes into Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Park are well documented with essays and photographs. No ordinary coffee-table book, " Spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks" is exceptional for its substance. Well researched, the text is highly interesting and vividly written. Photographs, both historical and contemporary, are carefully selected to highlight, develop, and extend the written narrative. Of widely varying subject matter--vast landscapes, close-ups of thermal features, flora, and fauna among other aspects of the Ecosystem--photographs are remarkable for the number that are printed and for the rich documentation they provide. The significance of the Ecosystem for the relationship of humans and nature is made awesomely clear in this book. Photographs throughout the book make both the magnificent landscape and the presence of humans relating to the land immediate and tangible. This is a book for anyone who has seen Yellowstone or the Grand Teton National Parks and wants to re-experience the Parks in a deeper way. It is also a book for anyone who intends or hopes to experience the Parks and who wants to better understand their deep significance.

Far more than a coffee-table book, October 22, 2009
When I ordered "Spectacular Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks," I expected it to deliver superb photographs of park vistas, and it does. What really impressed me, however, is that the author went the second mile with terrific wildlife photos and with text that is well-written and well-researched. The text includes much historical background as well as commentary on the ecosystem by people who know what they are talking about.

Truely Spectacular, September 11, 2009
The title of this book is fitting. Not only are the photos of the book wonderful and capture the many things offered by the parks, the book also provides wonderful information about the natural wonders.

Stunning Photography, October 16, 2010
I ordered this book soon after returning home from a visit to Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks. The book was prominently displayed in all the gift shops and hotels within the parks, but I didn't like the idea of having to cart this rather large book around and had no idea how I would pack it for the plane trip home. I guess I could have mailed it, but that would just have added to the fairly steep full-price the gift shops were already charging. I thought I might get a better price on Amazon and it would also solve my shipping problems. The online price was considerably less than retail and even better than I had hoped.

As I said, this book is big. It measures approximately 12x16 inches which makes the coffee table really the only place for it. It would really stick out on a bookshelf. The photographs inside are truly spectacular and need to be displayed in large landscape format. Many of the panoramic photos are folded over and once opened, extend well beyond the book's 12x16 inches. I am a photographer myself, so I have an appreciation for good photography. The images in this book are first-rate and would be proud to be author of any of them. The print quality is also excellent.

The book is well laid out with the text following a logical order documenting the history of the parks through to the present day. There are an abundance of maps, charts and other illustrations to compliment the narrative. I highly recommend this book.

A little disappointed, December 18, 2009
How could Yellowstone and the Tetons not be spectacular? They were in this book, but I was a little disappointed that the seller didn't let me know ahead of time that there were some minor publishing flaws. I didn't send the book back, and I would have bought it anyway at this reduced price, but I would have liked to know that there were a few creases on pages, etc.

Love this book!, September 15, 2010
This book is very informative and has great pictures. I can not wait to visit Yellowstone now. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Acclaimed as one of the most exciting books in the history of American letters, this modern epic became an instant bestseller upon publication in 1974, transforming a generation and continuing to inspire millions. This 25th Anniversary Quill Edition features a new introduction by the author; important typographical changes; and a Reader's Guide that includes discussion topics, an interview with the author, and letters and documents detailing how this extraordinary book came to be. A narration of a summer motorcycle trip undertaken by a father and his son, the book becomes a personal and philosophical odyssey into fundamental questions of how to live. The narrator's relationship with his son leads to a powerful self-reckoning; the craft of motorcycle maintenance leads to an austerely beautiful process for reconciling science, religion, and humanism. Resonant with the confusions of existence, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a touching and transcendent book of life. ... Read more

Reviews

Why I'm Writing Review Number 473 of a 30 year old book, November 2, 2006
I'm compelled to write this review after browsing the others, because something has to be said about book that isn't being pointed out for someone who is interested in the book for the first time.

At this point, this book can be found on the front table in your local bookstore. Other philosophy books can be found in the philosophy section either collecting dust, or being perused by someone intensely interested in philosophy who is well versed in debates that have gone on for centuries.

I have listened to the author, Robert Pirsig, being interviewed, and it seems that he did, in fact, intend for this book and its premise of "Quality" to be the great, all encompassing philosophy, presented in a straightforward, readable manner. However, despite Pirsig's intention, that is not quite why this book has become so famous.

This book is famous because it fills a perfect niche in that it introduces some very complicated philosophical questions in a form that the common reader will find interesting. Pirsig is attempting to create a practical philosophy and sets the book against the background of actual experience to make the questions he ponders real for the reader.

With that in mind, if you are not clamoring for a debate with someone else who is knowledgable on the ins and outs of Kierkegaard and Spinoza and are simply looking for a readable book that makes a real attempt of answering the big questions in life, this book is for you.

What I find interesting, and somewhat disturbing, is that many choose to deride this book because it doesn't agree with their notions of philosopy, but fail to grasp that the people who are most likely to read this book won't even be at the table to understand their objections to it unless they read it.

Probably no book has ever been more successful in interesting people in philosophy in the first place. So why are people who are interested in the subject eager to send them away because it disagrees with something they read in some banal tome?

Bottom line, if you ran across this book at your local bookshop or had it recommended to you by a friend, you must read it. It is an awesomely thought inspiring book and asks questions you never thought to ask or at least didn't know how to put your finger on. It's both a good novel and a great introduction to philosophy for people who have an interest in greater questions but not all the time to pursue them. I don't think you should worry about the fact that someone with a Masters Degree in Philosophy, or an equivalent knowledge, is bothered by the book. Also, I wouldn't be thrown by the title. The book isn't trying to sell you a newsletter or convert you to any church (despite the use of the phrase "The Church of Reason") and is only using a bit of Zen philosophy as a grounding for its premise.

Pirsig's premise does have a tendency to never be overtly stated, but I believe that he does this because he doesn't want it overly simplified in the way I'm about to do it.

Pirsig's premise is that we live in a world of both the "Classical" and "Romantic" or, as I'll simplify it, "function" and "form", respectively. Pirsig sees the problems in our world as the result of an overemphasis on form, when function is more essential. However, pure "function" has problems of its own. For example, our bodily organs carry out the function of allowing us to live, but one doesn't really desire for our skin to be translucent so we can watch these functions. In fact, we would have a revulsion to such a thing. Therefore, we have a combination of both of "form" and "function"; our organs work very well without our having to see them. This is the desirable state. This desirable state is called "Quality". Good "function" seems to bring about its own desirable "form". May the decorative towel be damned. That's grossly oversimplified, but there it is.

Finally, one shouldn't be thrown off Pirsig's premise by the fact that, quite frankly, he tends to be an impatient father and not very easy to get along with. While reading the book, it becomes apparent that Pirsig is sharing this with us because he is oblivious to it himself. He makes it obvious that he doesn't understand why no one is pondering the philosophical implications of repairing a motorcycle or why his young son isn't arriving at all of the conclusions he is, despite the fact his son is eleven. He seems to be trapped in the context of his own view of the world.

So, if you want to wade your way through all of the pontificating, please take the time to read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance". If you really, really like it, you'll have to read Pirsig's other book "Lila: An Inquiry Into Morals". Though "Lila" takes a narrative approach that's a bit less readable than "Zen and...", it gives a more comprehensive view of Pirsig's philosophy. Read both. Then you can debate with the philosophy majors.

Over 2000 Years of Wisdom in 373 Pages, May 2, 2000
In my (1/e)*100 years on this planet, during which I devoured at least ten times as many books, I have read only two more than once - "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is one of them. In this monumental 1974 work, Robert Pirsig has achieved what few others have managed before him and, to the best of my knowledge, nobody else has accomplished since: a perfect unification of philosophy, adventure and mystery. His "Chautauqua," or traveling tale, takes the reader on a profound tour of ancient Greek philosophy, the steppes of Montana, and even a little bit of Zen Buddhism, with endless surprises and much original if not truly inspired thought along the way. Through his self-portrayal by means of the unforgettable and eerily enigmatic character Phaedrus, Mr. Pirsig shares his far-reaching search for the meaning of life, and himself. His fundamental concern is with the following seemingly simple but in effect infinitely complex question: "How can one distinguish "good" from "bad?" The question is posed and addressed in many different forms throughout the book, and in the process the concepts of truth, value and quality are dissected, reassembled, and again dissected and reassembled many times. Mr. Pirsig has an uncanny sense of timing, and he never allows the heavier passages to labor on too long. This is avoided by craftily interspersing his philosophical discourse amongst very down-to-earth and charming observations made during a motorcycle trip that takes the narrator and his seemingly troubled son Chris from the American Prairies to the Pacific, and forms the prevalent background for the entire "Chautauqua." "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is a totally unique creation. Not being one to lend himself easily to corny clich�s, I nevertheless believe that this is one book that definitely could dramatically change your life, whether or not you believe in Zen or have ever sat on a motorcycle. If you love somebody, buy them this book

Well-written, thought-provoking, and courageous., December 18, 2000
Part road novel, part philosophy, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance ("ZMM") met with huge critical and commercial success when first published in 1974. Narrator and son ride from Minneapolis to San Francisco; meanwhile, both are haunted by the narrator's past insanity, brought about by his "chasing the ghost of rationality". A series of philosophical monologues addresses questions both mundane - how to fix a motorcycle - and metaphysical.

Today ZMM retains a sizeable following, although criticism of it is very polarised: Pirsig's fervent self-assurance when dealing with philosophical questions converts some readers into "followers" and tends to exasperate everyone else. Mostly structured as a "solution" rather than an "inquiry", as the title claims, ZMM's philosophy is too often accepted without question, and it is frequently and regrettably true that the more positive the review, the more philosophically na�ve the reviewer. Nonetheless, this should not disallow ZMM from being considered on its own merits.

ZMM is not an introductory philosophy text, more a "once-in-a-lifetime" philosophical statement; the comparison has already been made with Hofstadter's "G�del, Escher, Bach", and Hofstadter's description - "a statement of my religion" - could well describe ZMM, too. When one considers the motivation required to sustain Pirsig's long and solitary struggle in writing and publishing ZMM, the rhetorical fervour of his arguments becomes more understandable. Those who attack Pirsig as pompous or narcissistic fail to appreciate the degree of self-belief needed to complete such a highly individualistic work. So, we can certainly admire him for trying - but is ZMM any good?

Some of Pirsig's arguments rest uneasily, such as his blithe acceptance of scientific relativism; and in rejecting subject-object dualism, he paints himself into some peculiar corners, such as his disquiet at the lack of beer cans littering Crater Lake National Park. But there is much in ZMM that is good and thought-provoking, too, especially where education is concerned: all teachers should read this book. And even during his tougher metaphysical monologues, only the driest, most rigid mindset could fail to find Pirsig's rhetoric engaging. Here, his wild claims about the importance of his philosophical arguments are gently counterbalanced by his acknowledged previous insanity: Pirsig takes care to label them the "ramblings of a madman", though not without a certain knowing irony.

ZMM is not just philosophy: it is also a fine piece of travel writing, and a history of Pirsig's teaching career. It remains a novel, however, and not an autobiography: whilst the events described did occur, subtle details have been changed. Most importantly, Robert Pirsig "the author" differs from the narrator, who in turn differs from his former personality ("Phaedrus"). The subtle conflict between the narrator's unifying philosophy, and the barely resolved tensions between narrator/Phaedrus and narrator/son, produces a fully intended irony. Criticism of the narrator is unfair and misguided when it is directed at the author.

Pirsig writes with great clarity. Well-structured sentences and careful use of italics give his writing great explanatory power, reminiscent, for this reviewer, of the biologist Richard Dawkins. We may not agree with Pirsig, but we are rarely in any doubt about what he means to say. Nonetheless, there are inevitable uncertainties at the core of ZMM, concerning reason and its limits. The antipsychiatric "insanity as enlightenment" nettle is never fully grasped, though one senses that this is Pirsig's belief; moreover, the analytic intractability of the Eastern philosophy that he embraces means that ultimately, the "inquiry" never reasons its way to an answer. Those seeking an absolutist metaphysical system will not find it here, and one can imagine Pirsig's sense of unease at becoming a latter-day religious guru.

ZMM is very much unique: four and a half years in the writing, but decades, one senses, in the germination. Fans will enjoy the 25 or so extra pages, cut from the original manuscript, available in DiSanto's "Guidebook to ZMM" - but skip the dreadful philosophy chapters. Pirsig wrote a sequel of sorts, "Lila", in 1991, but its sour atmosphere and slack reasoning make it strictly for the converted. Evidently Pirsig coped badly with his post-ZMM fame: one can imagine the sackloads of witless fan-mail. Unquestionably, for this reviewer, ZMM can stand alone: a model of clarity in written argument, a fine American road novel, and an inspiring demonstration of one man's ability to think for himself.

The Joy of Engagement!, October 24, 2001
Before reviewing Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, let me mention that most people will either love or hate the book. Few will be indifferent.

Those who will love the book will include those who enjoy philosophy, especially those who are well read in that subject; people who ride and maintain their own motorcycles; readers who are interested in psychology, particularly in terms of the mass hypnosis of social concepts; individuals who are curious about the line we draw between sanity and insanity; and people who want to think about how to deal with troubling personal situations, especially as a parent. As someone who has all of these interests and perspectives, the book fit my needs very well.

Those who will dislike the book are people who like lots of action in their novels, dislike the subjects described above, and who want easy reading. This book is very thick with concepts, ideas, metaphors, and layering which reward careful reading and thought. Most text books are considerably easier to read and understand. Few modern novels are any more difficult to read from an intellectual and emotional perspective.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance has several story lines that intertwine to create a synthesis of thought and experience:

- a father and young son take a motorcycle trip from the Midwest to California
- the father has an internal dialogue with himself about what he observes about the people around him and their engagement with life and technology
- the father attempts to reconstruct the ideas and perspective he had before being treated as a mental patient (which treatment destroyed and distorted his memory and personality)
- the father looks at the great philosophers of western and eastern civilization and attempts to integrate their thoughts into an aesthetic built around our ability to know quality when we see and experience it
- the father deals with the incipient signs of mental instability in his son and himself.

The book is almost impossible to characterize, but let me try anyway. Perhaps the closest book to this one is Hermann Hesse's Siddharta. At the same time, there is also a strong flavor of Zen and the Art of Archery. On the Road by Jack Kerouac covers some of the same intellectual and emotional territory. John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men considers some of the same questions of personal perspective. In terms of challenging the constrictions of society, there is also an element of The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit here.

What is most remarkable about the book is the way that it pinpoints the spiritual vacuum in the pursuit of more and shinier personal items. Unlike many books from this time, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance upholds a concept of nobility and worth connected to pursuing material progress in ways that reflect eliminating low quality and replacing it with high quality. Think of this as being like the joy of craftsmanship, compared to the dullness of the assembly line. By setting high standards, expanding those standards, sharing those standards with others, and inspiring people to experience life more fully, we can move forward spiritually as well as intellectually. The motorcycle maintenance details connect these abstractions back to the practical issues of every day, as we roll along across country with the author and his son dealing with the realities of keeping our bike running where the repair and parts options are very limited.

The book's afterward is particularly interesting, in which Mr. Pirsig opines about why this book has had such great and lasting appeal and tells you what happened after the book ends.

Ultimately, I felt uplifted by the high respect that Mr. Pirsig has for his readers. He takes us very seriously, thinks we are intelligent, and pays us the compliment of believing that we can learn to fundamentally change all of our perspectives and experiences.

After you finish this book (if you decide to read it), I suggest that you think about where you disengaged from the challenges, tasks, and people around you. Then, pick out one area and get deeply involved. As you master that one, take on another. And so on. Soon, you will have new and greater respect for yourself . . . and more rewarding relationships.

Get your hands dirty!

Where is the Quality in science and technology?, March 28, 1999
If you are thinking of reading this book there are some things you should know right off. 1. This is not a book about Buddhism, or Zen. It explores the ways in which eastern philosophies can help western thinkers move toward Quality. 2. This book covers a lot of ground, very quickly and is not a philosophical textbook. If you don't know much about philosophy, this book will not change that fact, but it will make you question a lot of the assumptions you have made. 3. This book will change your life! This book is about Quality. If you have read the Tao Te Ching, you have already read a book which attempts to explain Quality. It is the unnamable, the One. Pirsig asks us to question whether science and logic can really bring us closer to the "Truth." Ever since Socrates began using the dialectic to try to discover Truth, humans have been on a quest to find it. The tool we use is known as scientific method. We have been using scientific method for a long time, and it has given us a lot of useful knowledge. It has not, however, brought us any closer to finding an absolute Truth, which is true for everyone everwhere. Quality is undefinable. It comes before thought, and before actions. Any attempt at describing it is useless, because as soon as you attempt to categorize it, you are only talking about one aspect of it. What Pirsig does in this book, is attempt to show us ways that we can use Quality in our lives. He calls his main character Phaedrus. Which comes from Plato's dialogue by the same name. Reading this dialogue will help you immensely in following the arguments he presents. Don't be fooled by this into thinking that Pirsig is a Platonist. Phaedrus was a Sophist, as is the Phaedrus in this book. Neither the historical Sophists, or Pirsig, buy into Plato's concept of absolute "Truth." If you are at all interested in the ideas of subjectivity and the influence of location (in time and space) as it relates to philosophical, religious and scientific claims, this book will greatly interest you. If you're a "post-modernist" you've probably already read this book, and if not, this book will help you to crystallize a lot of your objections to Modernism. If you feel that the world is becoming more and more empty and hollow, and think that part of your basic humanity has been stolen by alarm clocks, concrete, automobiles, and (can I say it?) computers, this book may help you in finding the Quality that resides within technology, yet is so often ignored by those who wield technology like a biological weapon. If you've ever thought that the whole world was crazy, and want to learn more about what really makes a person "insane," you should know that this book is written from the perspective of an insane man. If you are searching for answers, this book will give you a few more questions, and help you realize that life is about the questions, not the answers!

A Narrative and Philosophical Masterpiece, July 11, 2000
I first read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance as a college senior twenty-five years ago. I remember then being frightened by how this man's determination to pursue a philosophical idea to its conclusion, even if it were against the grain of established conventions of thinking, drove him insane. I was afraid deeper study and questioning might do the same to me. I know now, however, that I'm not insane. I also know that twenty-five years ago this story of a man and his son travelling by motorcycle from Minnesota to the Pacific Ocean took deep residence in my soul.

I've been a teacher now for twenty-three years, long enough to forget some of my initial influences. But, as I read this book all these years later, I realized that my philosophical view points, examples I use to illustrate ideas with my students, what I believe the purpose of an education is, and several other bits of pedagogy and ideology originated in Pirig's story.

I highly recommend this book, maybe especially if you are unread in philosophy and would like a readable, enjoyable, and provocative entree into the history and vocabulary of philosophy.

It's a deeply moving, intellectually stiumlating story. Its devotion to story-telling and philosophical inpuiry is indeed most rare.

An Exhilarating Ride Well Worth Taking!, January 5, 2001
I first read this book in 1975. I particularly appreciated then the concrete illustrations used in the development of Pirsig's philosophy. However, I was not prepared at that time to follow the details of the logic used to develop his main point, namely, that in ancient Greece rationality had unfairly toppled mysticism as a valid source of knowledge.

I always intended to read the book again and finally last month I found an open week, bought a copy of the new 25th anniversary edition, and went at it. The text is unchanged in content but the print is larger and much easier to read than in my old paperback edition. The margins are wider and allow more annotations. It is well worth getting this Anniversary edition.

This time I got much deeper into Pirsig's main premise--the one noted above. Pirsig believes Quality to be the missing element in today's culture, but he says it must be kept undefined so that rationality will not be able to kill it again as it did thousands of years ago.

My major satisfaction from this novel still comes from the unusually perceptive and cleverly-wrought metaphors that Pirsig presents to advance his philosophical arguments. I have so many favorite ones it is difficult to choose among them. For instance, he labels the University as "Church of Reason," indicating it fanatical devotion to rationality at the expense of other values not approachable through rational means. No wonder professors of philosophy feel threatened. Rationality is their bread and butter!

Other illustrations: He compares the experience of looking out of a framed car window with the frameless view you get riding a motorcycle and uses this as an example of breaking down the subject/object boundary. He indicates that his objective is not to deal with "the 'news,' the silt of tomorrow" which accumulates when the river of culture bends, but to try to deepen the channels of "the best" that lies ahead along the river's future course. He likes to follow "an arrow that enlarges sideways in flight" rather then tracking its forward path in order to find "lateral truths" that point to falseness of axioms which prevent hitting the target. He points out that "institutions such as schools, churches, government, and political organizations of every sort all tend to direct thought for ends other than truth, namely, for the perpetuation of their own functions." I have often pondered this telling truth.

Ultimately, he finds Quality to be the uppermost element of the triad of truth--the creator of both subject and object, residing in the interface between the two. His comparison of Quality with the ancient text of the Tao is exhilarating!

The Quality of this novel is extraordinary for me. It exhibits many of the aspects of Quality in writing such as integrity, imagination, flux, continuity, suspense, insight, pathos, and allegory as it attempts to find the missing element in today's technology-dominated world. It is one of the five formative books in my life, and has a place on my "favorites" bookshelf next to Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" and the poems and essays of D.H. Lawrence.

Resonance Required for Highest-Quality Experience, August 26, 2001
"Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" is an entire experience in philosophy and spirituality condensed into what I found to be a very thought-provoking anti-novel. It has three main "streams" of thought: the story of the motorcycle-riding narrator and his son, the story of Phaedrus, and the Chautauqua that is the narrator's way of explaining Phaedrus' philosophy.

Though the first two chapters of the narrator's musings are slow to bring the reader into the plot, intriguing mystery elements are revealed by the end of Chapter 3. By this time, the reader should know that Phaedrus spent his whole life searching for a ghost, found the ghost, "thrashed it good," and became one himself. However, the nameless narrator cannot tell Phaedrus' story without also giving the reader a crash-course in history, philosophy, and of course, motorcycle maintenance (through the Chautauqua, of course). I now warn those who cannot bear long lectures about dead historical figures, slippery concepts or technical minutiae to leave this book alone.

Part I of the book is set chiefly in the Dakotas. During this part, the Chautauqua mostly discusses the classical-romantic split in people's thinking. What makes Robert M. Pirsig's discussions unique is how he deftly brings Zen concepts into the reader's understanding of the split.

Part II begins with the narrator's arrival in Montana. It is the reader's first real encounter with Phaedrus (an unforgettable, though hardly endearing, character) and the first introduction to the "ghost" that he so passionately pursued. (The ghost's name: REASON. One of its popular haunts: SCIENTIFIC METHOD.)

Part III takes place during and right after the narrator and his son's hike up a mountain. The chapters in this section are almost entirely devoted to the Chautauqua. The discussion of the ghost of Reason is dropped and a full, in-depth explanation of something outside Reason, Quality, is taken up. Pirsig takes great pains to say how Quality determines our values, creates our mythos and touches our hearts. Those who like taking detours when an interesting topic distracts them will love this part. Those who don't care for such detours and want to get on with the story will find this part long-winded and over-written. (This is their second warning!)

Part IV continues and ends Phaedrus' story as the narrator and his son go through Oregon and California. In the Chautauqua, Quality is joined by Reason once more. The reader finds out how Phaedrus travelled to the University of Chicago, took his philosophical inquiry to its logical end, and finally became a "ghost" himself. His conclusions about what is Real, about what is True, about what is Beautiful, and about what is Best, can prove liberating to anyone who has been independently wondering about them. The ending also contains an interesting twist in the story of the narrator and his son.

I can find connections between the ideas in this novel and those in the essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the parables of Kahlil Gibran, the poetry of T. S. Eliot, the books of the Bible, and other great spiritual or philosophical literature that generations have read and shared. (Pirsig even explains the why and how of this phenomenon in the Chautauqua.) To best enjoy this story, the reader must relate to it--or resonate to it.

Bridging the gap, October 19, 2003
Pirsig takes us on a literary chautauqua that dives into the split between romanticism and clasicism, and speaks magnitudes about the philosiphies and sciences of Eastern and Western Cultures. The book has seized rave reviews across the globe, and held best-seller status for record amounts of time. One wonders, what could possibly be in this book that has made it so accredited for such a long time? The answer is that the book takes the reader on a journey that was never supposed to happen. Pirsig elucidates, in four hundred pages, about the conflicts with his son, and himself. Phaedrus, Pirsig's former personality, is represented as a ghost from Pirsig's past. Phaedrus takes the reader through Greek logic, Eastern culture, and Buddhist beliefs. The book gives a good explanation of the differences in Eastern and Western cultures, and how the splitting of the two has caused problems throughout the world.
Coming from a background of the dry sciences, my reading of classical literature is hardly amazing. These two topics do not go together and rarely have anything to bridge the gap. This book does that job wonderfully. For the first time, I understood literature of this complexity, because it deals with the sciences and the arts; it kept me interested and also made me relate my life to the characters lives.
So, what do I suggest? If you have the time, the patience, and an open mind, this book will do you wonders and will stick with you for years to come.

Courageous and Unforgettable, July 12, 2001
Many of my thoughts keep returning to ZAMM. It has been a while since I read it last, and I am going to read it again. I have spent the last couple of hours reading reviews here, and it's evident that there is wide disparity in how readers receive this book. One has to wonder what that says. Is Mr. Pirsig onto something or not? Personally, I am confident that he is, and the way that it is done is so masterful as to be almost magical. At times, I can spot something that doesn't ring quite true, but it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter because the truth that he is trying to tell is still there.

Multiple themes are woven together: the ride across some of America's best with his only son and the relationship that's theirs alone, a narrative about insanity through the clouded memory of someone that had/has been labeled as such, an examination of western philosophy and its influence on western thought, an alternative eastern perspective, and more.

For many of us that are writing reviews here, Persig begins to unlock a whole realm of possibility. The possibility that awareness of existence (quality, truth, God, whatever you want to call it) may be approachable by non-rational means. Neither logic, anlaysis nor the scientific method may provide the ultimate path. And, without these familar touchstones we are threatened to lose our certainty. Accepting this possibility is both liberating and frightening! It is to stand on the threshold of . . . In a sense, it's a simular place in thought to where the world stood when Columbus discovered the new world.

To be willing to follow Persig with Phaedrus and participate in his Chautauquas is an adventure in courage. One must look into the frailities of our own sanity. It is tempting to deny to oneself this vulnerability, and doing so may render this book meaningless and shallow. However, the participative reader finds the captivation of an "Alice in Wonderland."

Not a text, not a novel, not fiction. It is an autobiography! It's hard to believe that it's true, and the book ends before the story ends -- just like life and the reality that endures. Robert Pirsig is a hero to have gone so far in pondering the "deep channels", and then in sharing his bounty with us.

I'm going to read it again. Thank you Robert. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Boomers, Gen-Xers, Seniors and more everyone has a dream of that long trip that they ve had in the back of their mind. If so many dream it, why do so few do it?

Authors Phil and Carol White believe it is not only fear of the unknown, but more importantly, inertia. It takes a fair amount of thinking and planning to take off for an extended period says Carol, but the rewards of working through your issues and actually getting out of town to see our country or another place, will be with you forever. Don t wait for some other time start planning now.

The White s award-winning, how-to book, Live Your Road Trip Dream is now released in its second edition after a very successful three printings of the first edition. Due to the popularity of road tripping, but not just amongst the retired set, the White s have included expanded coverage of topics of interest to the younger generation.

Today s younger generations aren t waiting until retirement to hit the road says Phil, they want to do it now if they can figure out how. With our expanded sections on sabbaticals, working on the road and road-schooling for children, we ve covered many of the topics that we get asked about frequently.

And the Whites do get asked often. As National Spokespersons for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, they speak at such prestigious conferences as AARP s Life@50+, and attend national conventions like The Good Sam Club s Great North American RV Rally, and talk to the press frequently as experts on road tripping. The Whites are also frequent guests on TV and radio and have been featured speakers for AAA in their home state of Oregon.

Live Your Road Trip Dream is more than an inspiring adventure, more than an information-packed how-to guide to help you turn your personal travel dream into reality it is the ultimate handbook to turn your wanderlust into action. ... Read more

Reviews

Get Prepared for a Year on the Road, September 15, 2005
I have to admit that when I first opened LIVE YOUR ROAD TRIP DREAM by Phil and Carol White, I wondered who in the world could pull off such a task? I mean, really. Living on the road for a whole year? What about responsibilities? What about possessions? What about finances?

I quickly learned that Phil and Carol White had already thought of these things - and more! In fact, their decision to carefully plan absolutely everything turned this feat (and yes, I do mean feat, as even the most dedicated traveler might be overwhelmed by lack of planning when attempting to vacation for an entire year) from an unrealistic dream into a doable possibility.

Fortunately for the rest of us, the Whites lived their road trip dream with the objective to share with us their experiences, warts and all. Because of their meticulousness, their journals, their detailed accounting, and their willingness to be pioneers of travel, the rest of us can avoid the minor pitfalls and poor decisions that can inconvenience or derail even the tiniest vacation, much less a year-long trip across the country.

Through the Whites we learn about (among a great many other things):

*What to do with your house while you're gone

*Who will take care of your responsibilities while you're on the road

*Traveling with pets

*Choosing a vehicle for the trip

*Packing a year's worth of clothing without dragging along everything you own

Quite possibly the most detailed vacation planning guide you could get your hands on, LIVE YOUR ROAD TRIP DREAM will have you more than wishing you could spend a year away - it will have you actually believing it is possible!

The first half of the book is dedicated to planning for your trip, with tons of advice that could be useful for even shorter trips and proves to be absolutely necessary for a year on the road. The second half is a travel journal of sorts, complete with pictures, that chronicles the White's vacation experience and offers glimpses of what is to be seen in regions literally across the country. Unlike typical travel guides which offer prices and hours of exhibits but little in the way of commentary on what was enjoyable and what was not, LIVE YOUR ROAD TRIP DREAM attacks the vacation experience from a refreshing angle - like that of a trusted neighbor who's just come home from a holiday.

In addition, there is a lengthy appendix at the back of the book that is packed full of worksheets, tip sheets, and templates that would get a prospective year-long traveler well on his way of getting started.

A good resource guide to have around for future vacations of any length, LIVE YOUR ROAD TRIP DREAM is a tempting book for any travel fan. And, who knows? Maybe with the help of Phil and Carol White, your own road trip dream can become a reality.

Don't Leave Home without Reading "Road Trip Dream" First, July 27, 2006
My husband and I have been on the road for almost a year, and we owe much of this successful year to Phil and Carol's book.

I bought the book because I wanted to figure out how we could take some time off without going broke, and Road Trip Dream succeeded in helping us do just that. We aren't even close to retirement, and this book really helped us to see that a trip like this was possible at our age.

With the release of its second edition, the Whites' book is as vital as ever when it comes to considering every critical aspect of how to plan, execute and live your own road trip dream. Don't even think of embarking on a journey without reading and following the advice laid out by these two seasoned road trippers.

Great Budgeting Information
Based on our own spending habits over the last year, I can vouch for the fact that the book's budgeting methodology is on the money. Their budget's "memory joggers" will help you look at every aspect of road trip living that you'll spend money on, from postage to Internet access. They also spotlight important things to consider, like realizing that you need to plan for fluctuating costs in different regions around the country (for example, campground fees in the east are much higher than in the west).

Get Creative, and Get on the Road NOW!
For working age people like my husband and I, the Whites have included a section about sabbaticals, working from the road, and even "road schooling" for families. The information, suggestions and ideas provided in this section help get a reader's mind around the fact that you don't have to be retired to take time off to travel. With some creativity and flexibility, they illustrate how even working people and families can hit the road. In this edition of the book they've provided a number of resources and ways to research this further.

Keeping In Contact on the Road
Technology changes so much in just a couple of years, and the revised tech section in the book is great. I can appreciate how the Whites do a good job of presenting a general overview of road technologies, without going over the heads of novice users. They did a fabulous job of explaining air cards for internet access, which is what most people end up using on the road. A comprehensive resource section at the end of the book includes lots of great websites to consult.

Hit The Road with the Information You Need
By reading and following the White's advice in Live Your Road Trip Dream, we were able to pull off our journey in the kind of organized, budgeted and well-prepared manner that makes us both comfortable. If we had just taken off without doing our research first, this journey might have ended months ago.

There are so many things to consider and planning for something like this can seem overwhelming. Don't let it. Buy Road Trip Dream, and you will receive the comfort and encouragement that it takes to believe in yourself, and know that you can get your way to living your own road trip adventure.

Not much substance, December 17, 2006
The book is well-organized, well-written, and a smooth, easy read. Carol writes well, and obviously put a lot of time into it. But there is very little substantive information in it. This is not a book for RV'ers. Although they used a Class B RV (basically a full van conversion), they stayed in motels most nights. Their RV advice was to buy one of the excellent books on RVs already out there. Sadly, their trip seemed rushed. I think they were more interested in being able to say that they visited every state, than enjoying where they visited. The whole last half of the book is just entries from their journal. These are cryptic, and offer little help in choosing where you might want to visit yourself. Financially, the book assumes that you are retired, and that you sell or rent your house and use that money, along with your retirement income to pay for the trip. In all, the book reads like a day dream, and doesn't give much more information than the obvious. If you are just looking for inspiration and confidence to do the trip, this may be a good book for you.

Excellent Detail and Wit to boot, September 2, 2004
This book is great. It has so much detail on how to go about planning and executing your own road trip. I plan on using much of the advice when I plan my around-the-country NFL trip. I also enjoyed the authors' witty dialogue mixed in with the wisdom such an excursion imparts.

I highly recommend this book.

DISAPPOINTING - Cost $77,000 for their year long trip..., July 28, 2008
The title of this book is misleading - it says you can live on the road for the same price as staying at home - however, the authors spent about $77,000 (not including any house or mortgage payments while they were gone) - that comes out to about over $3,000 per person, per month. What a ridiculous budget - if I had that much money to spend, travelling in an rv would be a piece of cake - the rest of the book is fluff and gives no practical advice.

Well, obviously, it gives no practical advice about saving money because the authors splurged. I feel cheated by the title of this book.

Superbly organized compendium of "trip tested" instruction, October 12, 2004
The collaboration of the husband and wife team of Phil and Carol White, Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel For A Year For The Cost Of Staying Home is a superbly organized compendium of "trip tested" instruction, information and advice. Chapters address how to build a travel budget, break the news of a lengthy voyage to family and friends, plan a route, stay in touch while on the go, handle emergencies, as well as an engaging narration of the trip the authors took fill this compendium of practical advice and enjoyable armchair traveler stories. Recommended reading for anyone considering an extended road trip of their own.

We're on the road and loving 'living the dream', July 23, 2006
Can two adults really share a small RV for thousands of miles and not drive each crazy?

Carol and Phil convinced us to give it a try. And we're glad they did. Their excellent book is not only a step-by-step 'how to do it', it's a inspiration.

Reading it gave us the courage to pack up everything we own and hit the road in a Pleasure-way, a compact but comfortable RV with everything you need to keep smiling on the highway.

We've been on the road for two months so far, we've traveled 6,500, and we love the RV life.

Merrily we roll along...

Helped Us Understand and Plan Responsibly, May 6, 2006
I read 3 books about the RV Lifestyle before we left on an adventure of our own. Carol & Phil's book was head and shoulders above the rest with regard to offering helpful advice, and inspiring the excitement of living on the road.
Carol and Phil traveled for a year in their Class B RV, "The Rolling White House." They played a lot of golf, visited a ton of National Parks, enjoyed several Happy Hours, wrote a very good book that you'll find invaluable in planning a similar trip....... and, mostly, stayed in hotels. Carol's take on their transportation selection is very sound, and she has included many tips about planning and executing a trip (in any kind of RV) that may not cross your mind until it's too late, and she does it all with a personal touch.

Great Book - Makes me want to do it!, February 3, 2007
My husband and I have been planning a similar trip for when we retire (in 4 years) but this book actually gives a step-by-step guide to preparing and planning your trip (even a master budget). Carol talks about things that I hadn't thought about (mail, voting, income tax filing, etc.). I couldn't put the book down once I started. It made me wish we could leave sooner. I love the idea of a theme - National Parks. Can't wait to "Live My Road Trip Dream."

Excellent primer for an extended roadtrip, September 8, 2008
This is an excellent primer for a very extended road trip, but it's not about being an rv full timer. The authors decribe intending to be "full timers" for a year with only incidental trips home for holidays and emergencies. They describe the evaluation in purchasing an rv and provide plans for living at camp grounds. But they stayed in hotels 4 to 5 nights a week and ate at restaurants even more often.
So it's really about their road trip to see the contiguous states in a year, how they planned & prepared, where they went, what they saw, and how they dealt with personal and family emergencies.
There's a good routing plan to see the lower 48 and many sites are described in detail, including many "do"s, "don't"s, and "watch-out-for"s.
The most valuable sections describe their analysis for dealing with the day-to-day responsibilities they left behind when they're on the road, far away. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

With lush photography and comprehensive maps, this one-of-a-kind, up-to-date guide is ideal for the 700 million vacationers who visit state parks each year. From the white water at Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania, to the dunes of Pink Coral Sand Dunes, Utah, the parks are presented in vivid detail and enhanced with more than 200 color photos and 32 maps. Essential information on openings, fees, contact numbers, activities, camping and lodging is included, as well as a new "Hidden Gems" section of tips on favorite places in the parks identified by parks staff.

For the day visitor, the weekend escapist, or the weeklong camper, the guides’ enticing selection of parks—chosen by state park directors who know them all—will inspire everyone.

Of the state parks’ 25,000 miles of trails, the authors have selected favorites for hiking and biking, horseback riding, and wildflower gazing, as well as ample opportunities for the bird-watcher or rock climber, the wildlife observer or the amateur archaeologist. Ideal for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, the National Geographic Guide to the State Parks of the United States, 3rd Edition promises many rewarding parks visits. ... Read more

Reviews

STATE PARK CHALLENGE, September 24, 2008
We just purchased this book a couple of weeks ago, and we've already visited three of the suggested state parks. The format is attractive with a nice picture from each park, detailed information on the park, and suggestions for other attractions in the area. It is laid out by region: "New England," "Southwest," etc. with about five states in each region and about 4-5 parks from each state. We live in Texas, and although we think there could be other parks mentioned in the book for our state, we agree that the choices are representative of the variety of state parks here. We have already visited two of the suggestions in Oklahoma (which we found has great state parks) and one in New Mexico which was beautiful. Our goal is to visit ALL of them over the next several years! We've always enjoyed staying in state or national parks while camping - now in our new AirStream trailer (yeah!), but any traveler could visit these parks as day trips, also. Besides being informative, it's a great read.

A Waste of Money!, September 7, 2009
A real disappointment! Only a few of the state parks in each state are listed. The info provided is good, but it's very incomplete. Not a good resource for an RV-er.

Great Guide, February 5, 2010
National Geograhic does as great of a job highlighting the state parks as they did for the national parks.

They can't cover every state park but they do a thorough review of 4-6 parks from each state (they allowed each state to recommend their best parks). Plenty of info. is provided regarding camping, activities, best times to visit, trails to hike, specific areas to visit and things to see, etc.

road trip travel aide, May 6, 2010
Contains 3-5 state parks for each state. Next time I will look for regional book that shows 100% of the state parks. Probably means stopping by the visitors bureau at the border. But that negates planning ahead.

National Geographic Guide to the State Parks of the United States, July 5, 2008
I did not understand the definition of "state park," so the entries are more limited than I expected. For example, the Adirondacks is not included in the New York State section. Overall, there is much information, but I still will need to check the internet before departure so that we do not miss the kinds of areas we would like to visit. That is what I thought I was avoiding.

Disappointed, July 6, 2008
This book has a great deal of information but it doesn't list the parks I wanted to find. For the state of Florida only five are written up! Since there are over 40 Parks in the State, I found this Ludicrous.
This book picked the top 200 state parks and completely ignored all the others. I was expecting a list of parks in each state with codes for facilities and a few highlighted with more information.
I bought the book so I wouldn't have to look up each state on the internet. Not only did it not meet my expectations, but I thought it was very expensive. It was a big disappointment. Save your money and just use the internet.
.

Not a resource, June 3, 2009
We use our motor home to cruise for weeks at a time. We often end up in states that we don't have information about the state parks. Bought this book; still don't have information, so we still cannot look up potential state parks as we start planning what route to take and what time to stop. The title is misleading; it should emphasize that the list is a fraction of the state parks in any state. I'm sending it back for false advertising.

A must have., May 13, 2009
This is a great book. We also own the National Geographic National Parks book. We do driving vacations every summer and these two books go along on every trip. A great resource to have in the car.

State Parks, October 17, 2009
This is an awesome book and now that we are traveling all the time it really comes in handy

State Parks book, December 13, 2009
The book was exactly what I expected. It arrived in a timely manor and was given as a gift. Very pleaseed with purchase. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Based on their more than 100 years of combined experience inWashington's backcountry, Spring and Manning have selected theirfavorite trails for this compendium of classic hikes. Full-colorphotographs throughout supplement the authors' first-hand descriptionsof the trails they have hiked many times over. Featuring spectacularviews, flower-filled alpine meadows, lakes and streams, ancientforests, animals and birds, and solitude, these trails will givehikers a taste of Washington's best. Infused with a strongconservation message, this guide not only introduces hikers toWashington's gems but encourages them to become active participants inan effort to preserve and, in some cases, reclaim the remainingwilderness. ... Read more

Reviews

Good orientation of area trails with great color pictures, March 13, 2000
I was very pleased to find this book last year while planning a trip to Washington. I was interested in finding some good trails for full day hikes. This guide gives a great overview of neat areas to be found in this very beautiful state.

A lot of hiking guides have limited pictures which are often in black & white. Not so for this guide. Each of the hikes described has at least one full color picture along with a nicely done (non-topo) trail location/route diagram. Thumbing through this guide, looking at the beautiful pictures, and reading the trail descriptions definitely further enticed me to do some hiking in Washington, more so than any other trail guides I've seen. The pictures really make you want to go see for yourself!

After thumbing through the guide, I picked three trails in the Olympics to do full day hikes on: Sol Duc Trail, Hoh River Trail, & the Cape Alava / Sand Point loop trail. The hikes and scenery were wonderful! I thought the guide did a very good job of giving me an overview of the area and general trail difficulty to help in planning before arriving in Washington. Of course, some of the trails described are going to be a little more popular than lesser known trails not described. But, coming from out of state, this was fine by me.

If you are considering a trip to Washington and would like to do some hiking or backpacking, this is a great book to get you acquainted with some great places, and pictures to get you salivating. Since the map diagrams in the book are designed to give you a feel for the route and location only, they are probably not what you would want with you on an actual hike. For that, I would recommend picking up topo maps for the area of interest.

I highly recommend this book to fellow out-of-staters considering a trip to Washington. Thanks to this book, we saw some places that we might have missed otherwise. If there is a downside to this book it is that every time I pick it up and thumb through it I see great pictures of places that I would like to go to, but may not ever do. So many trails, so much scenery, so little time...

A good guide by some old negative fussy butts., May 11, 1999
The trail descriptions and the amount of information in all of Ira Spring and Harvey Manning's books are great. They provide some great info, but....they are two of the most negative guide book writers that I have ever read. They hate dogs, motorcycles, bikes, and horses, as well as the Forest Service and NPS. Fine, hate them, say it once, get it over with and then shut-up about it. But no, they go on and on and on about motorcycles, mountain bikes, and everything that does not meet their definition of appropriate recreation. I took a black marker to all of the negative comments in their North Cascades book, and black ended up on almost every page. Again, it has good information and can be really helpful if you can stomach the negativity.

AWESOME!, June 18, 2001
So far I have only done four hikes in this book, but I intend to try them all! The colorful pictures are a nice incentive to hike that long distance. From a one and a half mile hike to a 500 mile hike, this book will accomodate any level hiker and any time limits they may have. This book gives directions as well as how many miles the hike is and the elevation you will be gaining. It provides estimated time allotments and phone nubers to call to reserve camp sites and see if trails are open. Best of all there are hikes from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascades. This book is must have for hikers in the great state of Washington!

If you've read their other guides, you've read this one., February 11, 1999
While this edition supplies something that the other books in Spring and Mannings series don't, namely color pictures, there is really very little new here. The authors have updated the text in a few instances and their introduction/preface is new, but there are pictures and descriptions in this book that date to the First Edition.

And I must ask "Why?" Why was it necessary to publish this book? Spring and Manning endlessly lament the fact that most of these hikes are overcrowded, overused, overloved, trampled beyond all recognition, and yet they publish a "new" guidebook so that these very places may be abused to a greater extent. I don't get it.

If you don't own the other books in this series and don't plan to buy them, by all means buy this one. Just don't be suprised if 2.5 million others are at the trailhead with you.

Opinionated guide but great in all respects, October 2, 2003
I have read countless hiking books but never have I encountered a preface like this book. Authors Spring and Manning spend many pages going into a diatribe about how the Forest Service has ruined many Washington trails and how ATV's and encroachment has destroyed much of the pristine beauty of the state. I agree with their comments wholeheartedly, but wonder if such "strident" opinions (to some people) are really suitable in a hiking guide. For me, the political opinions were not a distraction, but I want to mention them in case you are expecting simply a typical guidebook with no ancillary commentary.

Now, to the book itself. Washington is a magnificent and beautiful state to hike. Even without the magnificent hikes in and around the Seattle, there are plenty of other trails to explore and enjoy. This book does it all! It is an exceptionally well-designed book for hikers across the spectrum. Whether you're a neophyte or have climbed Denali, this book contains all the essential information you need to tackle the hikes listed. The photos are all in color and are breathtaking! You really get a sense of what each hike will look like before you undertake it. Every hike also has a brief map to accompany the text description. The maps are easy to follow and instructive. There are also black and white photos of each trail, with two color sections.

Equally pleasing is that the authors take the time to describe each hike in extensive detail, though they are never wordy. They list the elevation gains, give succinct but necessary directions to each trailhead and provide ample analysis of the strengths/weaknesses of each trek. The book is small and light enough to carry in your backpack, if you feel the need to consult it while on the trail.

I have over 50 hiking books in my library and it would be hard to imagine a more complete, more photographically stunning or better written guide. From desert to mountains, Washington has it all. I enthusiastically recommend this gem with the small warning about the authors injecting personal opinions about the Forest Service.

By far the best hiking book I have ever read, February 3, 2007
"Ira and Harvey," as my hiking partner and I fondly refer to the authors, are probably the best hiking writers / photographers I've ever encountered. Yes, the book is opinionated; there is no doubt about that. However, that is what makes it special. If you want a book with 1000 hikes and a short listing of facts, this book isn't for you. However, the authors have pulled together their favorite 100 hikes and feel free to tell you exactly why they think they're great. Ira (Spring) was a famous photographer in his day, and I enjoy drooling over his photos of the sites I'll see on the way to hike. We usually preface our hikes from this book by reading the hike description aloud and laughing over Manning's excesses.

My edition is one older than this listing, and in it, as another reviewer remarks, the authors do rail against motorized vehicles. Anyone who's been asphyxiated by a 4-wheeler and coughed for minutes after its departure can appreciate and agree with their rants.

In the edition I have, there is no negative mention of dogs or horses. In fact, Harvey references hikes with his dog fondly. I have noticed in later editions of Mountaineers books anti-dog writing which bothers me - a lot. However, I have never seen that in this book.

If you can only own one hiking book for Washington, this is the one. It's entertaining, informative, recommends fantastic hikes, and has great photos.

Classic = Old, July 19, 2002
My criticism of this guide applies to all of the so-called "classic" hikes series. It is difficult for me to write, because Harvey Manning was once one of the best guidebook writers on the planet, and Ira Spring's photos are awesome.
But that was then, and this is now. The books are poorly edited, inaccurately updated, sloppy attempts to sell a few more great color pictures and once-good-but-now-preachy Manning writing.
Anyone who has been on any one of the trails of this guide should be able to find at least one significant innacuracy in the description, largely because I'll bet the authors haven't hiked on some ot the trails since they wrote the first edition, almost a half-century ago.
Sadly, some of the photos in this book are in error, too - such as the photo of the "marsh marigold" on page 234, which is actually a Western anemone; or the photo of the "avalanche lily" on page 198, actually a glacier lily. Worse still is the picture on page 35, which shows campers tending a fire in an area where fires have been banned for the past 20 years.
In sum, the classic series does little to enhance the fine reputations of these two guidebook authors.

Not for the casual hiker, April 9, 2008
This is a beautifully illustrated book - I'll certainly give it that. I didn't get into the prose, though, because as I thumbed through the summary description of each hike, I was disappointed to find how few of them are accessible to the casual hiker.

I'm going to Seattle in mid-May and I wanted to take a few hikes while I was there. Of the 100 hikes listed in this book, less than 5 of them are accessible in May, and all of those are either on the coast or east of the Cascades. The weather isn't the authors' fault, but one would hope there would be a few "classic" hikes that would be accessible at other times than mid-summer.

The other disappointment was that a very large percentage of the hikes involve trips of multiple days. I'm sure they're gorgeous, but this borders more on camping trips than hikes.

I found Foghorn Outdoors Washington Hiking: The Complete Guide to More Than 400 Hikes (Foghorn Outdoors) to be a much more useful guide.

Experienced WA hiker does not recommend this book.........., June 8, 2004
...and recommend in its stead : Hiking Washington's Geology, ISBN: 0898865484.

I live in WA state, and have owned "100 Classic Hikes in WA" for 5 years; I repeatedly "try" to reference for new hiking ideas, but every time end up closing the book in disgust. Here is why:
1. The prose is terrible (excessively 'flowery' and overblown);
2. Non-stop negative "preaching" against the forest service, motorized vehicles, horses & dogs on the trail.
3. Hike descriptions, when not oriented on preaching, are not very descriptive of the specific features as seen on the hike.

Because of this, the valuable information, such as difficulty of hike, accesibility of trailhead, & attraction of hike (view, flowers, etc) is very hard to extract from the hike descriptions.

I consider myself an experienced outdoors-person, and hit the trails almost every weekend during good weather. Sometimes I hike with friends, sometimes I take my dog, sometimes I bring the trailer & ride with my horse, and sometimes I take a mountain bike. My point is: these men found innumerable ways to slam almost every activity I do in the mountains: according to their never-ending negativity, the only good trail is one in which only a walking human is allowed.

My recommendation to the authors is to spend less time 'educating' the public with your incredibly biased opinions and more time on the purpose of the book: educating people on the best places to go in WA for a great hike.

"Hiking WA's Geology" is a much better book, even if you are not interested in geology for the following reasons:
1. Hike descriptions are written by authors experienced in technical writing, i.e. you recieve the most amount of pertinent information in as few words as possible.
2. Many of the trails are 'off the regularly beaten path'
3. Descriptions give detailed information along each section of the hike, so the hiker knows not only the 'what & why' of what he is seeing, but also any technical challenges that might arise (paraphrased e.g.: 3 miles down the trail, the trail becomes difficult to follow, watch for campsite #22, walk to the left, find the trailhead again).

Lace up your boots!, August 25, 1998
This is an excellent compilation of the favorite hikes of two experts on Washington trails. Spring and Manning have been hiking the trails and writing books about them for decades and their excitement, joy and orneriness (occasionally directed toward the forest service, the park service, motorized use of trails, horses, etc.) shines through in this great book. The photos by Ira Spring are fantastic.

This book is guaranteed to have you dusting off your camping gear and heading for the mountains! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Skip the tour bus and experience Washington, D.C.—on foot! City Walks: Washington, D.C. provides an insider's view of the nation’s capital. Each card in this deck outlines a self-guided walking adventure, complete with detailed map and local secrets. Discover the best places to eat, drink, stop, shop, rest, walk, and play: Pick any card and start exploring Washington, D.C.! ... Read more

Reviews

These are a great way to get to know Washington, DC., July 21, 2008
These cards provide an excellent way to get out and explore the nation's capital city. Having studied DC's architecture and as a resident of DC (going on my fifth year in the city), I must say these cards are a great way to learn more about the city and its neighborhoods. I have used these cards to take students on a architectural tour of the capital and found them to be well-done, convenient and pretty comprehensive. Definitely a way to make a tourist's self-guided tour more interesting (and prevent them from getting lost, too).

Love these!!, June 23, 2010
We bought the LA ones for us when we moved here and I just bought the Washington DC ones for a friend that is being transferred there this summer! She has already gone through them with her family and can't wait to use them. They are fun and easy to use. I would definately use other ones as well!

Excellent, Convenient, & Smart., April 15, 2009
We just returned from Washington, D.C.. This is the first time I've used these cards. What a smart idea! We loved the card system. Making them spill resistant was also a very smart idea (I spilled coffee on them once - no damage!) It sure was convenient to grab just the few cards we needed for a particular area we wanted to explore. Having info on one side and maps on the other really worked for us. Granted, the cards cannot be as comprehensive as other guide books, but if your inention is just to see the major sights on foot, then this is the best few bucks you can spend! I only wish they had more cities available. Thankfully they do have our next destination for sale; Paris, France.

Just What I Wanted, July 10, 2008
These were perfect in every way for touring Wash DC. Gave all info for everything & how to get there anyway ... Read more

Editorial Review

Hundreds of hardy people have tried to carve a living in the Alaskan bush, but few have succeeded as consistently as Heimo Korth. Originally from Wisconsin, Heimo traveled to the Arctic wilderness in his feverous twenties. Now, more than three decades later, Heimo lives with his wife and two daughters approximately 200 miles from civilization -- a sustainable, nomadic life bounded by the migrating caribou, the dangers of swollen rivers, and by the very exigencies of daily existence.

In The Final Frontiersman, Heimo's cousin James Campbell chronicles the Korth family's amazing experience, their adventures, and the tragedy that continues to shape their lives. With a deft voice and in spectacular, at times unimaginable detail, Campbell invites us into Heimo's heartland and home. The Korths wait patiently for a small plane to deliver their provisions, listen to distant chatter on the radio, and go sledding at 44° below zero -- all the while cultivating their hard-learned survival skills that stand between them and a terrible fate.

Awe-inspiring and memorable, The Final Frontiersman reads like a rustic version of the American Dream and reveals for the first time a life undreamed by most of us: amid encroaching environmental pressures, apart from the herd, and alone in a stunning wilderness that for now, at least, remains the final frontier. ... Read more

Reviews

Little House in the Big Arctic, July 16, 2004
James Campbell reports the life of Heimo Korth and the family he has raised, the last family of trappers to remain in the National Arctic Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

Although this book has one foot in the "wilderness adventure can you believe anyone can survive this" genre (Heimo regularly traps in -50 weather and even jogs in -20 weather), it is also a kind of domestic family saga, almost a "Little House on the Prairie" but the prairie is the Arctic.

Heimo, his wife Edna, and daughters Rhonda and Krin, face near tragedies and real tragedies lost in blizzards, or facing a broken-down snow machine miles from home, or jumping from ice flow to ice flow in desparate hope of making it back to shore, or falling through overflow ice on the river. Remarkably though, the main thing I'll remember about this book is the sense it conveys of Heimo's redemption (lost and alcoholic, he came to Alaska to trap in the 70s, but dried up and built a family there), and of the love and affection of a family who have no one but each other for months on end. This is a real testament to Campbell's skill as a journalist and author.

The adventure and drama of the Arctic keep the reader turning pages like a good mystery but the after-effect is one of love and integrity.

A fascinating look at an impossibly alien lifestyle, April 17, 2005
Heimo Korth has lived in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for nearly thirty years, eking out a subsistence living some 250 miles from the nearest road. He moved to Alaska at twenty, eager to escape an abusive father and unwilling to submit to the yoke of a nine-to-five job. For six years Heimo ("HI-mow") lived alone, trapping and hunting and flying out occasionally with bush pilots to sell his furs. But in 1982 Heimo married Edna, whom he met while walrus hunting on St. Lawrence Island, and she followed her husband to the wilderness. They have lived together since in this desolate place where the sun dips below the horizon in November and isn't seen again until January, where temperatures range from a balmy 80 degrees to 50 below. They and their daughters live a semi-nomadic life, moving each spring from one of their three cabins to another so as not to deplete the animal populations in any one area. Every summer they spend six weeks in Fort Yukon, population 750, stocking up on supplies and getting a small taste of civilization.

James Campbell, who happens to be Heimo's cousin, visited the Korths several times beginning in 2002. In telling Heimo's story Campbell juxtaposes descriptions of life in the Arctic--the logistics of carving up a dead moose, the efficient reuse of toilet paper as a firestarter--with stories of Heimo's boyhood in Wisconsin and discussion of the politics of land apportionment in Alaska. The result is a fascinating look at a lifestyle that is impossibly alien yet unexpectedly familiar: Heimo's teenagers tack Britney Spears posters to the walls of their cabin.

One begins reading Campbell's account with incredulity, wondering why anyone would choose to live in such an extreme environment and whether the Korths were wise to raise their children there. But reading the fascinating, sometimes heartrending story of Heimo and Edna's life one comes to respect them and their decisions. We are left hoping that Heimo manages to live out his days as he wishes, growing old in a wilderness few men before him have experienced.

Reviewed by Debra Hamel, author of Trying Neaira: The True Story of a Courtesan's Scandalous Life in Ancient Greece

A Must Read!, August 16, 2004
This book is so wonderfully written. James Campbell breathes so much life in every word and every paragraph, that it is one of those rare books that is hard to put down. My husband couldn't believe that I would be so taken in by a story about the wilderness.

Yet, the character development; the smooth writing style that describes the trials and hardships; all of the history that I learned made this such a three dimensional and rare treat. If only James Campbell had other books that I could purchase!

I read a ton of books and this is one of the few that I will definitely recommend to everyone that I know.

Welcome To The World Of 40 Below, June 18, 2004
What would you do if it were 40 below and your snowmobile conked out 15 miles from your cabin?

After reading this book you will understand that the answer is simple. You'd die. End of story.

This is the tale of a real world tough guy who at a young age gave himself over to the pursuit of wilderness survival and is about the only one left out there with survival skills of this level.

The author is no wimp either, spending considerable time with Mr. Korth plus doing mega-research on the history of the Alaskan wilderness, which he weaves into the story in an informing, non-boring way.

When I read Into The Wild I somehow thought that the fellow that died just had a few unlucky breaks-like the river rising which trapped him out in that old bus. Wrong. That guy never stood a chance from day one, and this book shows you why.

Like a lot of guys I have always had two fantasies - living in the backwoods of Alaska or living on a remote tropical island. I heartily thank the author for paring my fantasy list down to one - the island.

not girly but you'll love it, June 1, 2004
This isn't really my genre but when i started reading this story I couldn't put it down. It is incredibly inspiring and touching. It will touch your life and influence you in a positive way: a little like the book, Seabiscuit. It was educational too. It would be wonderful for children in difficult financial or familial situations to read. I can't stop talking about it and I can't put it down.

Extreme Camping, May 31, 2004
For those of you who enjoy the outdoors, this is a well-written story about what may be the last pure subsistence family in North America. Ten thousand years ago we were all this way; now we are down to one man, his wife, and two daughters living in the remote bush of Alaska, eating mostly meat and surviving in a shack too small for most lawn tractors in the lower 48. While this may sound grim, it is usually not. It isn't paranoia but rather a pioneering spirit and awe for the natural world that compels this lifestyle (if "lifestyle" doesn't overly trivialize three decades in the bush living mostly on wild game and facing environmental extremes usually associated with other planets). The author is a good writer, the subjects of the story remarkable and sympathetic, and the pace of the narrative usually brisk. Definitely worth reading.

Great Adventure!, September 24, 2004
I'm amazed with people who can forgo safety and creature comforts to set out to explore the world. Since I'm too timid for such things myself, I love to read about people who aren't. James Campbell's book was a great and easy read. I fell in love with Heimo Korth and his family and ended up envying their beautiful, simple and dangerous life.

If you ever wanted to live in the Alaskan bush..., October 31, 2004
Thank you James Campbell for your persistence in bringing the story of Heimo Korth and family to the world. Very few of us will ever experience the Alaskan wilderness beyond the tether of a cruise ship or the reach of a town. However, only in The Final Frontiersman have I been able to sense the tremendous strength of will and character it takes for someone to live, really live, longtime in the Alaska bush.

If you want to look over the shoulder of someone who has created a life in one of the most challenging environments in the world, then this is a must read for you.

Fantastic Voyage!, July 23, 2004
Whether you are an armchair traveler or an active trekker, James Cambell's book The Final Frontiersman is a must read.

The author is a journalist who can really write, and he takes the reader to where few people will ever travel, and guides us where he really did travel to visit the trapper Heimo Korth and his family in a world that is more awe inspiring, life threatening, and wonderous than any that has been chronicled in modern times.

Wear warm socks when you read this!

Excellent, unsentimental tale of subsistence in Alaska, June 16, 2004

Comparisons will be drawn between this book and Krakauer's excellent Into the Wild based on the common themes of living off the land and the unforgivingness of the Alaskan wilderness. Where Krakauer's book is a meditation on the romanticism and perils of self-reliance, The Final Frontiersman is an unsentimental and penetrating look at the physical, emotional and psychological challenges of making a living in this remote and and unforgiving environment.


Heimo Korth, his wife and two daughters and the life they lead are fascinating. Campbell's well-constructed narrative makes exciting and evocative reading.


If Chris McCandless, the subject of Krakauer's book, had had the chance to read this book, he might still be alive today. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Worth the money!, March 13, 2000
I bought both this book and "Inside America" (theother book that Amazon lists...I reviewed that too..don't bother withit!). This book is really nice. It was so well thought out: 1. There are color pictures of what you would see in some of the factories. 2. It tells you whether you actually get to TOUR the factory or whether you will be looking through a window or a watching a video. 3. Tells whether you get freebies. 4. At first I was disappointed because there were so few entries for CT and NJ but when I read the beginning of the book they explained EXACTLY the reason for some states having so few and how they picked the tours for the book. 5. Each tour has like 4-5 paragraphs dedicated to describing it. 6. Tells cost. 7. Tells you anything "special" you might need to know like: the CRAYOLA tour in PA is first come first serve so you might get there and not be allowed in (I personally know of 5 people this happened to... so I specifically checked to see if this would be mentioned). 8. This was geared towards the average person...and specifically families.

I'm crazy when it comes to details and I was thrilled that these people were too. I was very impressed when things would be in parenthesis saying they double checked all information but that you should still call ahead. END

Great topic, well-written, fun travelguide, May 5, 2000
A terrifically fun travelbook that will lead you to factory tours you would never otherwise have found. The entries are full of detail, including hours, addresses, phone numbers, and any special details (e.g., whether or not you need reservations, whether the tours are first-come-first-served, etc.).

Having been on several tours that aren't listed, I can't say that this guide is anywhere near definitive, but what's here is a great start and can spice up a vacation.

Of particular interest, most of these tours are suitable for parents with children, and most of them are FREE!

Very Fun! Makes traveling interesting!, April 17, 2002
When we are planning trips, this is one of our standard reference books. Watching some of these things being made is great fun. In fact, it is not uncommon for us to go out of our way to see some factory and we have always been glad we have done so.

This book is well organized and well written. It is easy to understand. The facts in this book are well researched. I know for a fact that there are some tours that are not listed in this book. However, that doesn't mean this book isn't worth every penny, it is.

Enjoy.

This is a great book for families!, February 20, 1998
This book is great and full of exciting places to visit. One of our favorites was the Herr's Potato Chip Factory in Pennsylavania. We are haeding acroos the US this summer and plan to visit some of the places in this book.

More than 300 fully updated and contemporary factory tours, February 13, 2003
Collaboratively researched and written by the husband & wife team of Karen Axelrod and Bruce Brumberg, Watch It Made In The U.S.A.: A Visitor's Guide To The Companies That Make Your Favorite Products is a unique and very highly recommended travel guide featuring more than 300 fully updated and contemporary factory tours and corporate visitor centers and exhibitions from Dole in Hawaii, to the Jelly Belly Center in Wisconsin, to Cruzan Rum in the U.S. Virgin Islands. From product exhibits ranging from the Jell-O Gallery in New York to the Kool-Aid "Discover the Dream" in Nebraska, Watch It Made In The U.S.A. offers colorful descriptions of the tours, admission fees (which are often free!), days and hours of accessibility, age and group requirements, disabled access, and more. This newly revised and expanded edition includes a Caribbean section as well as information when there are other nearby attractions to the showcased factor and exhibit sites.

A great resource that can spice up any vacation, April 16, 1998
This colorful and creative book is not just fun to read, its useful. When my wife and I plan out a vacation, we determine the shortest route (a must with 2 small children), then consult WATCH IT MADE IN THE U.S.A. to see what fun and family friendly tours we can enjoy along the way. This book in well organized and easy to read. A must for family vacation planners!

Very good information, September 11, 2002
This book is for anyone that travels on the roads of the U.S.A. If you are one to do road trips and you like visiting places "on the way" or "out of the "way", this book can help you plan your trip. Do a "tour theme" vacation and see as many tours as you can heading towards your destination or heading back home. It not only allows you to see how things are made that are household products with which you are very familiar, but planning your trip around these tours allows you to see more of the country that you probably wouldn't have seen if you stayed on the Interstates. I travel in a RV and was sorry I didn't obtain this book before leaving on a recent trip to the West Coast, for there were a few that were close that I wasn't aware of. No one book has it all but this book, along with AAA tour books is a plus.

Watch It Made in the U.S.A: A Visitor's Guide to the Companies That Make Your Favorite Products (Watch It Made in the USA), September 9, 2005
What a great book! It is a visitors guide to the companies that make some of our favorite products like jelly beans, beer, whistles, and motorcycles. We will be traveling across the country and look forward to use this book as a reference for interesting companies which offer tours to the public. For each tour it lists general information, the cost, freebies, if a reservation is needed, the days and hours tours are offered, phone number, directions, nearby attractions and much more.

If You Love Factory Tours, you'll Love this Guide, July 27, 2005
A wonderful listing of factories and tours throughout the USA. If you enjoy watching "Cliff" (Mailman from the old Cheers program) visiting unique/different factories where they make common things we all know and love, on the TRAVEL CHANNEL, you will definitely want this "must have" guide. Get yours today and start visiting!

Great guide for planning cross country trip, May 7, 2008
I'm planning to take my two teenagers cross country this summer and this is a GREAT book for finding interesting places to show them. It has excellent maps, clear directions, and well-written descriptions of what you will (and won't) see so I can figure out what sites will best entertain the different family members. I only wish we had time to see more of the places they describe. It even tells you what other nearby attractions there are. Kudos to the authors! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Delightfully witty, this book takes readers through the gamut of facts about Texans, how to understand the conversations, why and how Texans dress the way they do, why pickup trucks are a way of life, and how they, too, can acquire big hair. Illustrated with clever cartoons. November '98 publication date. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

An excellent guide in every way, June 23, 2000
An excellent book which tells you all you need to know. I travelled all over North America by train last summer and found "USA by Rail" terrifically useful, especially for its clear and detailed route guides. These add so much to a journey by telling you in advance what to look out for and explaining the background to the things you are seeing. The chapter for visitors from overseas was very helpful and there's fascinating information about railroad history as well as lots of practical tips for finding accommodation, booking tickets and making reservations. The previous reviewer must have been looking at an earlier version of the book because I found the third edition (published last year) to be fully up to date so far as Amtrak routes are concerned. This edition also has a competition inside to win free rail passes. I can recommend USA by Rail to anyone visiting North America and thinking of travelling by train as it will add hugely to your enjoyment and understanding. An inspiring read in every way.

Detailed information along all of Amtrak and VIArail routes, September 3, 1998
This is the book I'd take along on a rail journey although I also own Jim Loomis book (which I rate a 5 star). Every route (some are out of date) is reviewed with meticulous attention to all of the sights along the way. There are many good traveling hints for foreign travelers, too. While the style of writing is on the dry side (hence the 4 stars rating), the information is excellent. I do not consider this book as redundant if one already has the Loomis book...rather....its information is complementary since this book is much much more detailed regarding what is to be seen. Loomis gives more emphasis to train riding in general. I would recommend this book as the one of choice for foreigners already familiar with trains.

The best guide while on the train, April 22, 2003
My yearly travel on Amtrak starts with the most recent copy of this book. I have traveled every Amtrak route and for knowing what to look for and when, it's indispensible. I might have missed some of the best sites or picture opportunities had I not had this companion by my side. Easy to read and with times to look out of which side of the train you're ready to see some of the most interesting sites of this beautiful country and also capture them on film. I read ahead and highlight the sites I'm most interested in, then just have to look for my highlights as I travel. I discovered this book by accident, now I won't leave home without it.

Great guide!, January 31, 2002
This is fine as an armchair read as well as to take on a cross-country trip. There are chapters that will fascinate the railroad buff but it's also a great guide for the general visitor, with very pertinent advice.

Answers most of your questions, June 12, 2001
Traveling by trains can be a lot of fun and is an inexpensive, romantic and relaxing way to travel. This guide can help you plan your trip and will save you money, too. It has a good index and resource listing.

Indispensable, December 7, 2001
Some books are indispensable and this is definitely one of them. Lots of people are traveling by train now who are new to the experience and this guide is practical as well as highly inspirational, making it a great companion on any train journey.

An inspiring read, December 17, 2003
I've used this book as a guide on several lengthy Amtrak journeys, including a tremendous cross-country route from Florida to Los Angeles, and also on VIA Rail trains in Canada. The tips for accommodation and sightseeing were particularly useful as it meant I didn't have to lug around too many other books as well. USA by Rail gives all kinds of information for the journey and to help when planning routes and bookings in advance. The amount of detail is truly impressive. There are even articles about the building of the railroads and about steam trains you can ride now. The maps are very good, too. More photographs would have been nice but this is a minor point. The book is essential for travelling by train anywhere in North America, especially if this is a new experience for you.

What to know before you go, October 24, 2006
This book gives you all sorts of handy tips for a train trip in the US and Canada. You learn about getting a seat in the middle of the car for napping, away from the noise of sliding doors. It goes into quite a bit of detail on the amenities on different coaches (viewliners, heritage coach, superliner) so you know whether to book a roomette or a deluxe bedroom or a family bedroom.
There's a section of info especially for overseas travelers.
Then it gets down to business, describing the towns and sights along the routes with notes like these:
*The grey granite spires of Castle Crags appear to the right.
*A Chrysler factory appear to your right before the train enters Chula Vista Mountain Tunnel.

Highly recommended!, February 24, 2003
I've traveled the USA a lot by train, which is enjoyable, doesn't cost much and makes it possible to visit many places that are otherwise more of a problem to see (such as the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon and desert country). Train travel is quite different from anything anything I've encountered before so it was great to have the Bradt guidebook to plan my trip and help me find my way around. The book is right up to date with the latest trains, including Amtrak's superb high-speed Acela (capable of 150 mph), and has excellent route guides for all long-distance trains in the US and Canada. The associated USA by Rail website also has useful free information, including rail pass prices and tips from other travelers. Highly recommended!

Just About All You Need to Know, November 6, 2005
This book is a complete description of the passenger services offered by rail in the United States and (despite the title) in Canada as well. The book covers all of the named train routes, the commuter routes, the special trains like the American Orient Express, steam powered trains and more.

Each train route is covered by a map and by a list of the cities along the route with mileage between them. Each town or city is further described with a bit of its history, a bit of what you can see from the train and other points. It makes for an interesting book to read as you ride along.

The book is published jointly in England and in the United States. It is intended in part as a guide for Brits, so it has comments on things such as American currency. All in all, this is the complete Amtrak story, except of course for things such as the current disruption in service down around New Orleans as a result of the hurricane.

If you're thinking of a trip somewhere by train, I recommend it highly. I've taken several myself over the last few months. It's cheaper to get a round trip ticket on the train than it is to buy fuel to drive just one way. See you on the train. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Scientists estimate that, until 1900, the water level of the Chesapeake Bay rose at the rate of three feet every thousand years. Alarmingly enough, the bay rose by one foot in the twentieth century alone, and for evidence of this dramatic change one need only observe the effects of rising water on the islands of the Chesapeake Bay, which slowly are slipping from sight.

A retired oceanographer who first conducted research on the bay in the 1950s, William B. Cronin here supplies a survey of the changing fortunes of these forty-odd islands, from Garrett in the north to Gwynn and James islands to the south. Cronin's historical and scientific tour outlines their erosion, their loss of marshland, and the rich if changing human experience they have supported for generations. He draws on imagery that includes the work of celebrated local photographer A. Aubrey Bodine, colonial and state records, newspaper pieces, and his own personal and professional experience.

Historic nautical charts, compared to current data from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, leave no doubt of the crisis many of the islands face. On one, Holland, rising water in the late 1910s forced townspeople to move their houses by barge to the mainland. On another, Barren, a sizable hunting lodge housed guests as late as the 1970s but by 1985 had become a wreck beneath the water. An appendix documents the many small islands that have dropped entirely from view since the seventeenth century.

Reviews

A book to keep or a book to give, August 8, 2007
I was so delighted with this book, which was a purchase for my library's collection, that I bought another copy for myself! Living on the Chesapeake Bay myself, I am always on the hunt for great books for my personal library. When folks come for a visit, it's nice to have books for them to peruse. This book is a remarkable and timeless work of art as well as a wealth of knowledge! There are, sadly, too many places on the Bay that are gone forever, and many that are almost gone, due to time, tide and weather. This book gives the reader a wonderful history of each island, as well as magnificent photographs, and even GPS locations for each. If you're a Chesapeake Bay boater, you've gotta have this! If you know someone who is, or just someone who enjoys stories of our wonderful treasure of the Chesapeake, this makes a wonderful gift!

Outstanding Read..., December 7, 2010
This is an excellent book. My wife and I are originally from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and I still have family that lives in Hoopersville. It was great reading about the other islands and their current plight.

The Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake, January 10, 2007
Arrived plastic wrapped in perfect condition in a timely manner. ... Read more

Editorial Review

New York is one of the world biggest metropolises. It is also one of the weirdest. That probably comes as no surprise to anybody. But wait until you get your hands on "Weird New York", and read about Long Island's Big Duck, Moan and Groan Road in, of all places, a town called Hope, and the Jell-O Museum in Le Roy. This is a great alternative travel guide to New York - both City and State - to find out what the other books won't tell you, like what to do in Spook Rock Road, how to find the world's largest pet cemetery, or what to do if you bump into the Lady of Lake Ronkonkoma. This is your chance to find out why New York is the city that never sleeps... ... Read more

Reviews

New York IS Weird, January 9, 2007
Great fun for residents, former residents, and transplants alike. It gives a good "overview" of this great state. Unfortunately, it focuses more on one locale than all of them. Long Islanders should be in their glory because much of the "weirdness" takes place in their area of the state. I wish some of the stories could have been trimmed to include more of a variety. There's a treasure trove of incidents from Upstate New York, particularly in the Herkimer-Utica area, that would have been interesting to read about. Perhaps a sequel is in order?

Big, HUGE Fun!!, November 20, 2007
I picked this up because I recognized the photo on the front. That's the "waitress lady" I've passed for more than 40 years in a tiny town called Silver Creek NY. That's the glory of this book. Filled with wonderful color photos, you too will recognize the 'weird' of NY that you never realized was right under your nose. Did you notice the "Burger Family" in Glens Falls? Hear the creepy knock from the crypt on Rt 8? Just a great read. Since there are books for every state, they make wonderful gifts as well.

Lighthearted And A Lot Of Fun., December 12, 2006
I first saw this book lying on a Specials table in a local bookstore. I picked it up, read a few exerpts and decided I have to had to have it. Weird New York is a collection of short stories and oddities regarding New York places, people and facinations. Although its a big book (almost 300 pages) its really affordably priced, a quick read and an absolute blast to read. Its interesting to read stories about places near where you live and you never even knew existed. I suggest this book to anyone with a fascination of the weird and wanting a lighthearted book to read.

Definitely could've been better, October 8, 2007
For a book about Weird New York, you're tackling a huge, fertile topic, and yet this guide at times seems...boring. For some reason, in a state containing everything from metropolitan cities to towering mountains and sprawling lakes, the information presented is really not that interesting. A few abandoned places, some local folklore, even an analysis of popular myths like alligators in the sewers all seem somewhat mediocre for a place that very well should have some of the weirdest stuff on the planet. New York City itself, which seems like it could merit an entire volume, gets very few mentions in the guide.

Part of it is due to the writing. The author really doesn't seem very enthused by anything he's describing, and not that I really care for a Weird volume, but his prose is pretty bad at times. I bought this next to Joseph Citro's Weird New England, and the two are lightyears apart - in addition to being a good writer, Citro seems geuinely excited by every fact and tidbit he includes. Whereas here, Chris seems like he's just trying to fill a volume.

I give it three stars because it's still the best of its kind out there, and a decent coffee table book at that. But there are definitely some better Weird editions out there.

Fill up the tank and get ready for a road trip., August 7, 2006
That's what I said to my husband after reading this book. I can't believe that there are so many interesting places to visit in NY. So we've put yellow stickies on each of our favorite places and we'll do weekend trips.

Wierd NY is well written and offers something for every age. The photos are beatifully done. I loved this book so much that I am planning to buy the other books in this series.

Weird and Wonderful, October 18, 2006
Weird NJ has been a mainstay of my magazine rack for years, and now Weird NY clues us in to cool spooky and strange things in New York State! And one of my pictures appears on a top righthand page (baby crib grave).

Collect all of the "Weird" books - even for states you may never visit, they are the coolest.

Fun times remembered., February 25, 2006
For anyone who lives on Long Island, this book is a must have. I cannot believe they mentioned Mary's Grave, the Devil house, and all the other things that used to scare us when we first started to venture out on our own. I am now taking my kids to these places so they can go on their own and get scared. Reading this book brings back alot of great memories. I LOVED IT!!!

Weird New York, May 12, 2007
Great value for a hard cover book with many photos and glossy pages.
However while the factual parts of the book are very interesting, the reader entries are a bit inplauible. Most of the reported ghost sightings sound like real BS.

Interesting, but, January 18, 2007
I would HOPE that when they found the obvious and gory evidence of animal sacrifices in that abandoned building that they immediately contacted the local Humane Society AND the local law authorities. ... Read more