I immensely enjoyed reading this book. I read it on the road while traveling to away matches. It was a refreshing and encouraging reading. It's very heartening to see such a down-to-earth person as Rafter be so succesful at tennis. The narrative is very personal and informal. It's like Rafter is having a couple of beers with you while he gives you his insight on life as a professional tennis player. Great tennis player + Great person = Patrick Rafter

If you are a Patrick Rafter fan I think you will enjoy this book. It's like he's speaking to you throughout the entire book. You get to know how he feels before and during matches. I enjoyed reading the book and hope he comes out with another book telling his story from the beginning.

As a tennis fan, I always liked Rafter and was curious to read about his career. This book has everything for the Rafter fan, match results, insights, quotes from fellow players, and even a revealing centerfold that will leave any woman satisfied.

I highly recommend this book!

If Mark Twain comes back from the dead to write a guidebook of the state where he was conceived (in Jamestown, as Bradley explains on p. 196), then buy that. But old Sam Clemens would be wasting his time, because in Moon Handbooks: Tennessee, Bradley's already written the "Life on the Mississippi" of Tennessee travel guides.

Like "Mississippi," Bradley's "Tennessee" is so fascinating in in its details and anecdotes that I kept finding myself reading far more than I "needed" to for the travel at hand. And like Clemens, who clearly wrote from a genuine love of the river and the bygone steamboat days that he wanted to capture on paper, all of Bradley's local lore and country cookery reviews and sidebars on everything from roots musicians to the development of the the atom bomb in Oak Ridge...well, these all swirl together to create a sort of love song to the author's native state.

Bradley isn't afraid to criticize where criticism is due--look at his coverage of the outlandish developments near the Smokies. But even then, it's clear his concerns are not based on some disaffected political agenda, but from a genuine, familial concern for a cousin who has lost his way. Consequently, Gatlinburg doesn't "outrage" Bradley, it breaks his heart because of its failed potential. And even then, Bradley doesn't just sneer and proceed into the pristine National Park, shaking Galinburg's dust from his feet. Just as any good family member will make a point of telling you that old yellow-eyed aunt Ruth used to knock 'em dead at the USO dances and can still cook a mean casserole and belt out a showtune, Bradley lingers and explores Gatlinburg on its own terms. He points out its cherished place in many Volunteer hearts (including his own) as a childhood wonderland, and shows that he's not above enjoying the small simple pleasures of a candy shop, or even the more garish wonders of Ripley's aquarium.
If you don't know Tennessee, you won't find a more comprehensive introduction to the entire state. And if you already love Tennessee...you'll find all of the states most endearing qualities captured between the covers--and in the spirit--of this book.

I have the first edition of this book, and I've raved about it to my circle of friends. I heard this third edition was vastly improved, and I doubted this, but figured I couold always give it as a gift.
This book is going nowhere but to a choice space in my book shelf!
It covers more material, has a format which invites digging deeper into a topic at hand, highlights special topics, has a clearer type face, and is simply loaded with URL's for further cyber digging. I got out my Tennessee Atlas and Gazetteer by Delorme mapping, a topo coverage of Tennesee, my state, and put a "mark" by all the towns and villages Mr. Bradley covered. Not a page without copious markings. What a living history exprience.

He begins in the East as our state did, moves west, and brings out information about people, about the locale, gives historic facts and loads of human interest materal. He covers the Civil War as it progresses in various locations and is in fact more historical than a course or two I've had in Higher Eduction. And READABLE!! His wry, delightful humor graces most every entry. And as you follow this through the topo maps you SEE how history unfolds. Now I know where the Cumberland Gap is, I know where the mysterious Melungeons 'are', I've followed the tragic trail of tears, I know where to find barbeque all across Tennessee etc etc. I know where that terrific meteorite hit Tennessee, where biggie dinosaur fossils are found etc. .
What a book! What a marvelous travel companion, what a history of my state. And I have a store house of "stories and tales" I'll make good use of.
If you have an interest in Tennessee and can get only one book: THIS is it! Hands down. I'm grateful to Mr Bradley for doing it.
Hap Eliason

I'm a lifetime Tennesseean, and I couldn't put Mr. Bradley's book down. I know Middle Tennessee and the Smokies fairly well, but as I got into his marvelous book I couldn't believe one author could capture and capsulate so much in such limited space. I've garnered information about my State- so much new to me- that it just blew me away--some info right at my doorstep, so to speak. About locales I know fairly well his presentation is right on target. I especially value the boxes about history, personalities, buildings etc. Don't hesitate. Buy the book!

My husband and I were given this audio cassette and guide material for our honeymoon in Italy. We had a nice time. I probably would not have bought such a non-traditional tour guide before. But it turned out to be a discrete and fun way to visit the city.

I just got back from my first visit to Rome and Venice. It was fantastic and the Cicerone tours were really different and fun.

Next year we are planning to see France and I hope that you will have something for Paris by then.

What a great way to see the city! So easy to listen and look where you are going instead of trying to read a guidebook. In fact I learned things I had not seen in my guide book. If your time is short you can be sure that you will not miss the important sites and with the minimum of effort. The guide will also give you info about where to stop for a snack and find the all important toilet! When I came back the map helped me identify the pictures I took. I recommend it highly.

Armstrong Encore is the best cycling book I have ever read. It does not insult the cyclist intelligence like most other cycling books I have read. It gives in-depth information of day-by-day following the 2000 Tour. It give explainations and insight that can only come from the pro's themselves. This kind of coverage is not found on TV or videos.

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I've read many books about cycling races over the years and this has to be about the best. excellent in-depth coverage of Lance Armstrong and the US Postal squad as they attempt to repeat their previous year's victory. I could hardly put it down. in fact I'm already reading it for the second time.

I BOUGHT THIS BOOK BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN AN ART LOVER SINCE I WAS A KID. PART OF THE ENJOYMENT OF ART IS HAVING AN INTERPRETATION TO GO ALONG WITH WHAT YOU ARE SEEING. THIS BOOK WILL EXPLAIN WHY EXPERTS VIEW CERTAIN WORKS OF ART AND PROCLAIM THEM "GREAT". IT TEACHES PRINCIPLES OF ART FROM PAST AND PRESENT PERSPECTIVES IN A UNIQUE, 3-DIMENSIONAL WAY. IT ALSO INCLUDES INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS A MOBLILE YOU CAN BUILD AND EVEN CHARACTERS THAT YOU CAN PLACE IN THE PAINTING TO UNDERSTAND CONCEPTS SUCH AS VANISHING POINT AND HORIZON LINE. EVERYONE WHO HAS SEEN MY COPY HAS BECOME ENGROSSED IN IT. EVEN THE PEOPLE WHO DIDN'T KNOW THAT THEY LIKED ART!

I am one of the artlessly clueless. This book, and the others in the series, have all been wonderful fun, which is why they are also wonderful learning tools for beginners. Low stress, major payback, and marvelously intelligent all the way through. They won't make you an expert, but you'll have a good time and be better for it, too.

A beautifully designed pop-up book that's a MUST for any collector. Very educational and interactive.

Barcelonawalks is the best guide book I have ever come across. It allows you to explore the old city without the pressures of a tourist guide, introducing you to history that you would never uncover on your own.

As much as I have enjoyed the other books on Barcelona that I have read, nothing has brought this spectacular city to life in quite the same way as Barcelonawalks. I went on the walks with a native who knows the city so well she can get navigate the labyrinth of the Barri Gotic with her eyes closed. The book was a revelation even to her. George Semler, the author, brings considerable reserves of insight, style and wit to the proceedings. As a book, it's a wonderful confection. As a guidebook (a recipe I don't ordinarily care for since they often do to their subject what the Kraft company does to cheese), it is more like private tour with someone who knows the broad arch of the city's rich history, the character of it's people, as well as a baroque quantity of entertaining minutia. Semler's restaurant recommendations alone might be worth the price of admission, as you are likely to find yourself the only tourist in various characteristic and popular neighborhood eateries.

George Semler has told as much about the passions of the people of Barcelona as about its buildings. From the medieval splendor of the Gothic Quarter through the 19th neighborhood of Gracia to the wildly idiosyncratic buildings of the Catalan Renaissance, each block is revealed not only as a sequence of architectural structures but as the place where the great and the ordinary people of Barcelona fought, dreamed and struggled. I walked every one of its routes with pleasure and a great sense of history. Marvellous!

Anyone who cares about French antiques knows that there are many good deals to be unearthed at the marche aux Puces, but the place was always somewhat intimidating to me because it's known to be an "insider's" market. It's hard to know where to go and who to trust. I was delighted to come across this book because it demystifies the process very effectively and is written in a no-nonsense, discerning and user-friendly manner. It is not designed as a comprehensive guide to the Puces but rather as a "short list" of the stands that the authors have found to be most worthwhile (be it in terms of selection, quality, price and/or reliability). It's a bit like having a Zagat's guide to the Puces. I also liked the format, which is compact and practical to carry around Paris, as well as the design and graphics, which are tasteful and up-scale. As a result, I've also found it to be a very appropriate gift for friends who share my interest in French antiques.

I've been to the Marchee aux Puces many times in Paris and wish I'd had this book with me before! The photos are gorgeous and helped identify different parts of the huge market and types of furniture. I've enjoyed reading through it over and over since my return. It's so interesting and there's so much to learn. Not just what to buy and where, but how to ship it home and how to recognize value or ... non-value. This book is a real treasure for those serious about antiques or just browsing the market for interesting finds.

Stuart Hough saved me thousands of hours of research with his incredibly efficient reviews. I was able to save a ton of time at le marche des Puces by carrying this handy pocketguide with me while touring - and saved some money by knowing who to talk to and how to approach them. It is written with both style and efficiency - if you are into antiques, this is a MUST READ.

Travel Narrator's audio tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway is a MUST for anyone travelling the southernmost section of the Parkway for the first time. Those who know this section well will find the audio tour a delightful, useful companion.I have traveled the Parkway for over 30 years and have done extensive research for a Parkway course I teach, so I can assure that the historical information in the audio tour is extremely accurate. The Parkway is more than a scenic road; it is an interpreter of the region through which it passes. Trevel Narrator enables the listener to enrich his/her understanding of the Blue Ridge region. I hope this is only the first in a series of audio tours that will cover the entire Parkway.

This audio tour of the Blue Ridge Mountains was much more than I expected. It was chock full of interesting facts and historical notes of the area and the people who first settled there. It was very well done, easy to follow and even humorous at times. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make a trip through this part of the country even more enjoyable. It turns a nice drive into a memorable learning experience. It's inexpensive and for the money represents very good value.

Travel Narrator's Blue Ridge Parkway audio tour brings out the best of this section of the Blue Ridge mountains. Travelers play the tape while driving the Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and Cherokee, North Carolina. This is not simply a look to your right, look to your left, tour. It teaches you about the history and landscape of the North Carolina mountains as you drive through them and it highlights key overlooks and hikes for you to take along the way. It's the next best thing to having a personal tour guide with you . . . and sometimes better. The tape is well worth it.

Now this is a guidebook, written by Branson "local" Carol Shaffer. Branson's Best Day Trips mixes area history (better than any show!) and photographs with a complete guide to Ozark attractions from shows to inexpensive day trips in the area. After all, the Ozarks do not begin and end on the Strip; Shaffer takes you to surrounding communities, and provides 19 maps and detailed directions clear enough for even the most directionally-impaired traveler! To top it off, Shaffer's writing style is delightful. We highly recommend this book.

We used this book throughout our vacation. The maps were great. Our favorite chapter was the one to Branson's free attractions. We would have missed a lot had it not been for this book and would recommend it to anyone.

Wow, what a great book! I can't believe how much information is in here. Carol obviously knows the area and I think she was able to explain a little of the background behind the different places without becoming a history lesson. I also think the maps are very clear and plenty easy to read and I think the text was well written. I especially like the section on how to navigate the various side-roads (if you've been to Branson you know how bad the traffic can be). I went on vacation to Branson before but only got to see a third of what is in this book - now I can't wait to go back again!

In the Chicago Tribune Travel Section: "This book contains something that many a big-name travel guide does not: the authors' first-hand experiences, cover-to-cover, of the places being written about. In their folksy style, they describe a guided driving tour through the state, much as your favorite aunt and uncle would: retelling interesting bits of history, advising you where to take a break and sharing their personal favorites."

In Chicagoland's major suburban newspaper, the Daily Herald:
"Seven Perfect Days in Colorado," subtitled "A Guided Driving Tour," guides you on a seven-day, 950-mile trip that includes time in Denver, at Estes and Rocky Mountain National Park, a tour of the heart of the gold and silver country, crossing the Divide and visiting the National Mining Musrum, exploring a ghost town, hiking the Colorado Trail and driving across the Royal Gorge Suspension bridge, a stop at a Cripple Creek gold mine and time in and around Colorado Springs.
Half-week tours are also given.
This is a great book if you are visiting Colorado for the first time and wonder how you're going to see the best parts of a huge state in a reasonable time.
The authors take the traveler by the hand and tell you where to turn, what to expect to see as you drive, where to find camping areas and which museums are worth visiting.
The reader could take any one of the areas or days outlined and do it as a day trip. This slim volume will help with pretrip planning, then will fit in your glove compartment and come handy on the road.

From the first breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains to the sunset stroll through the Garden of the Gods, our seven perfect days in Colorado were perfectly delightful. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls in museums or exploring the mountainside, this book gives you plenty of options. As we traveled along the suggested route, it was obvious that the Ginnodos had carefuly studied every detail. Their guided tour without the timetable helped us avoid crowds, learn about Colorado history, enjoy nature, and choose our own pace. This book accompanied our every move, acting as a reference and guide. It made a significant difference in how much we experienced and how deeply we experienced it. Don't leave for Colorado without it!