American Diner Then and Now Review

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(More customer reviews)This is actually the third edition of this work. In 1979, Gutman took the plunge with the simply titled "American Diner" published in hardback by Harper & Row. Done in collaboration with Elliott Kaufman and David Slovic, it was shorter and more loosely organized than the later edition, but a nice and welcome diner book at a time when there still weren't many such books around. In 1993 Gutman came out with "American Diner, Then and Now" which sported revised and substantially enlarged text and better-integrated photos (the Kaufman photo portfolios had also been dropped). This revamped '93 version was a high-water mark for diner books, a now numerous field. With it's perfect balance between individual diner stories ("dinerlore"), photos, and history, and great attention to detail which bespeaks a real love of the subject, this has been an unofficial bible for diner afficionados for the last 7 years.
Now here is the 2000 edition, published in paperback by Johns Hopkins (apparently Barry Levinson's hometown has more interest in diners than the folks at Harper). This is basically just a reprint of the 1993 edition, with a different cover, a new introduction, and a few names added to the diner index at the end. While on the one hand it's great that this modern classic is available again (it had been out of print for several years) I had hoped that there would be some new material in it. To be sure, this book still teaches you how to tell a Paramount from a Mountain View, or a Fodero from a Worcester Lunch Car, and makes a fine gift (Christmas or otherwise) for someone who doesn't have the '93 edition. Nevertheless, at the risk of sounding like an ingrate, I would have to say I slightly prefer the '93 edition, mainly because the cover photo, an interior shot of a restored Worcester Lunch Car, with all that luscious wood, is more attractive than the rather bland shot of Ford's Diner that graces the cover of the 2000 edition. But make no mistake, if you don't have any diner books and are looking for a good one, this is THE one to get----and if you've already got five other diner books, you should still get this, as it has the clearest explication of American diner history you're ever likely to read.

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Lonely Planet Bermuda (Country Guide) Review

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(More customer reviews)I spent two weeks in Bermuda, and was very glad I brought this book along with me. I doubt very much that there are many interesting corners of the country that have been overlooked by the authors of this guide -- some of which I never would have thought to investigate had this book not alerted me to their existence. I especially appreciated all the historical and cultural details, and found that it was an invaluable tool in keeping costs down in a country where just about everything is VERY pricey. This book has since been re-used by other members of my family on their own trips to Bermuda, and has paid for itself several times over.

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Sip a rum swizzle while lolling on a pink-sand beach, amble down the cobblestones of the historic Town of St George, explore parish backroads by motor scooter - bite-size Bermuda will seduce your with its tranquil, subtropical charm.Whether you want to dive down to shipwrecks or work on your golf swing, this comprehensive guide to de Rock is your ticket to the perfect island getaway.• STAY IN STYLE - whether your tastes run to gracious B&Bs, romantic resorts or cozy cottages• GET MOVING - world-class snorkeling, golfing and tennis right at your fingertips• CONNECT WITH THE PAST - forts, wrecks and lighthouses display the fascinating history of the oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the New World• EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY - uncovers the best spots for fresh seafood and high tea• EXPLORE - crystalline limestone caves and the world's most northerly coral reefs beckon the adventurous

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The Getaway Guide to Agatha Christie's England (Getaway Guides) Review

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(More customer reviews)Charmingly written as if the author is sharing tea with the reader. So whether you actually head to Christie's England or stay in your comfy armchair, this is a nice way to bring literature to life. Actual locations from Christie's stories are pinpointed. Explanations are provided for some aspects of British life that have Americans puzzled. One could really explore London or Harrogate or other Christie places with the assistance of addresses and phone numbers included. Maps provided are okay for the armchair traveller. Towns and villages outside of London are given as much attention as suggestions in the city. I can't wait to ride the Orient Express myself!!

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A thorough exploration of the British locales made famousby the world's leading mystery writer, from London to Wallingford andTorquay.

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Frommer's 25 Great Drives in Scotland (Best Loved Driving Tours) Review

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(More customer reviews)I checked all of the guides for Scotland out of the library and reviewed them for a self driving tour of two weeks duration. This was the best of them along with Fodor's "See It Scotland

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Everything you need to see the best of Scotland by car
25 distinctive itineraries with full color maps and photographs
Highlights of scenic routes, special events, crafts and customs
Easy-to-use map at the beginning of each tour
Divided into 4 regions with 5-7 tours in each which start and finish in major towns and cities considered to be the best for exploration
Regions include: southern Scotland; central Scotland; the Northeast; and the Highlands & Islands

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Frommer's 23 Great Drives in New England (Best Loved Driving Tours) Review

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(More customer reviews)we fellow this book for 12 days in New England area. We had awounder trip. Thanks

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23 practical driving tours with full color photos and maps for the independent traveler
divided into 6 states each with its own city and driving tours
easy to use map at the beginning of each tour
highlights to special events, crafts and customs as well as distance and driving times
special tips for scenic routes, traveling with children, history buffs, and recommended walks

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Weekends for Two in Southern California: 50 Romantic Getaways Review

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(More customer reviews)Yes, this is the book to get if you want a fabulous place to create extraordinary memories with your mate! We've been to The Inn At Morro Bay with it's beautiful, breathtaking view of the bay and healing surroundings (p.17); to Ducey's by the Lake (p.30) with it's rich color decor and outstanding breakfast brunch; to the Sundance Villas in Palm Springs (p.108) where we treated back-East parents to a villa with a private pool and spa and a hugh interior during their winter season; and treated newlyweds to Portofino Beach Hotel-incredible (p.74); and have gazed and dreamed about all of the other bed & breakfasts listed in this book. BUY IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT!

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From picturesque inns and chic spa hotels, to cozy bed & breakfasts, author and tireless romantic Bill Gleeson has brought together his favorite Southern California getaways for two in this fully revised edition. With 50 dreamy options - 20 all new - there's something to whet every appetite. Ocean lovers can head to the coast for a morning stroll along the beach and a gourmet breakfast served in the garden. For those on mountain time, a day of skiing turns into an evening of hot toddies in front of a roaring fire. And for stressed-out twosomes craving open spaces, the desert offers golf, some spa tlc, and secluded cottages to snuggle in, complete with breathtaking views. Each wonderful getaway is illustrated with gorgeous photographs and includes all the pertinent information, so the only surprises are those of the romantic variety.

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Karen Brown's Italy Hotels 2009: Exceptional Places to Stay & Itineraries Review

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(More customer reviews)Karen Brown books are essential to all my trips to Italy. I have made 4 different trips from the North to the South and to Sicily. I am
grateful to her because we have stayed in some amazing places that were recommended in her books. Its VERY unlikely I would have ever found these, often unique, charming inns and hotels without her books. A few caveats are; the place/Inn/Hotel etc. may have gotten a little 'shop worn' since the original Karen Brown visit a few years prior and the owners may be less charming to you than someone there to review them and give them a 'stamp of approval' and put them in a very high profile travel book. I might suggest that Karen Brown
or staff re-review these places more frequently and do so anonymously. While I give her books very high marks there were a couple un-
pleasant surprises. Oh well, travel is never 'fool proof' and I still give her books a 95%!


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Italy is magical and this guide continues to be the best seller in the Karen Brown series. Truly a tourist's paradise-within its boot-from its tip to its famous toe, travelers will experience memorable and romantic accommodation, incredible dining, a wealth of history, incredible culture, enchanting towns and villages as well as a landscape that varies from picturesque lakes to tremendous mountain peaks and the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria. Let this guide introduce you to the magic and romance of Italy. 7 Regional Countryside Driving Itineraries, Descriptions of over 270 Places to Stay.

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